Selection of Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) and Prevention Services
Define EBP and Prevention Services
According to the National Association of Social Workers, an evidence-based practice is a process in which the practitioner combines well-research interventions with clinical experience, ethics, client preferences, and culture to guide and inform the delivery of treatment and services.
Under FFPSA Part 1, an eligible EBP is an intervention/model that has demonstrated a significant improvement in a child welfare outcome and has been identified as approved per the Act's guidance. California has identified 10 Well Supported EBPs for use in its initial plan.
WIC §16586 defines “Prevention services” as services or programs described in Social Security Act §471(e), including those services or programs with eligible adaptations, as permitted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, which includes, but is not limited to, eligible adaptations to increase the cultural relevancy of a service or program.
Is the selection of an EBP a required component of the Comprehensive Prevention Plan?
YES. ACL 22-23 (March 10, 2022), page 9.
The CCP must include the selected evidence-based practice(s), whom the practice is intended to serve and an explanation or rationale for the evidence-based practice selected. Local Title IV-E agencies must consult their local behavioral health agencies in the selection of the EBPs for the CPP.
Once one or more EBPs have been selected for Title IV-E services, the CCP must include a description of how counties will ensure that all EBPs, whether delivered via a contracted entity or by local Title IV-E staff, will adhere to model fidelity protocols (ACL 22-23, Page 9).
Resources
EBP-Title-IV-E-Clearinghouse-Crosswalk.pdf (chapinhall.org)
The purpose of this resource is to help jurisdictions capture and organize relevant information about potential evidence-based prevention programs to inform intervention selection for the Title IV-E prevention services plan (Prevention Plan). A template is provided within this resource tool.
Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse
The Prevention Services Clearinghouse, developed in accordance with the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) as codified in Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, conducts review of research and rates program and services intended to provide enhanced support to children and families and prevent foster care placements.
California Evidence Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC)
The CEBC provides a searchable database of child welfare related programs, with descriptions and information on research evidence for specific programs. The CEBC also provides guidance, tools, and materials to provide support for choosing, implementing, and sustaining a program.
Toolkit for Modifying EBPS to Increase Cultural Competence
The purpose of this Toolkit is to provide mental health services organizations a structured method for modifying Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) to better meet the needs of the cultural groups they serve.
Review of Well-Supported Programs Webinar Series | (caltrin.org)
CalTrin, a sister project of the CEBC, hosted a webinar series in Spring 2022 that explored the well-supported evidence-based practices included in the state prevention plan.
Children Now Prevention Services Inventory
Children Now created a prevention services inventory Airtable that includes evidence-based programs and services with relevance to FFPSA. Information can be filtered, including information on cultural relevance. This Inventory is extensive, but it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all evidence-based programs that may be available in California.
Family First Evidence-Based Practices Exploration and Cost Tool – Chapin Hall
This tool is designed to help jurisdictions select evidence-based programs or practices for their Family First prevention plan. The tool provides overviews of each EBP and worksheets to help determine program cost based on the projected number of families and children to be served and the number of provider agencies, teams, and staff involved.
The Potential of Motivational Interviewing: Implementing a Practice that Shifts the Center of Gravity in Child Welfare (Chapin Hall)
This guide provides a roadmap through the MI planning and implementation process, including planning and readiness, implementation and change management, and continuous quality improvement.
FFPSA Interventions for Families of Color (Casey Family Programs)
Within this resource is a table lists some of the interventions listed in the FFPSA Clearinghouse alongside its overall evidence rating, and whether research has found the intervention to be effective with racial and/or ethnic groups.
Guiding Questions
These guiding questions are provided to assist in the
development of the comprehensive prevention plan.
- What Title IV-E eligible EBP’s (included in the CA Five-Year State Plan) were selected for this CPP and what is the rationale?
- Is at least one EBP selected on the list of identified EBPs in the state prevention plan?
- Explain how the EBP(s) are part of an array of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies.
- Identify how the EBP(s) assist in achieving the goals identified through our Theory of Change/Logic Model and Gap Analysis?
- How will the EBP(s) able to meet the needs of the candidacy populations?
- How will the selected prevention services improve children and families’ outcomes and reduce entry into foster care?
- How will the selected services help to reduce disproportionate entries into foster care of children and youth of color, Indian and Alaskan Native children and youth, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and plus (LGBTQ+) children and youth?
- What steps will the agency take to prepare for the model fidelity and continuous quality improvement (CQI) requirements?
- Was the mental health plan engaged? How did that inform these decisions?
- Are any practices or interventions selected recommended by local tribal representatives?
- If an EBP was selected that is not listed within the ten Well-Supported practices, what funds will be used to support the implementation or expansion of the EBP (e.g., Office of Child Abuse Prevention (OCAP) funds, First 5 funds, local county general funds, other state or federal funding, etc.)?