NCJ Number
238356
Date Published
2008
Length
69 pages
Annotation
This report from the American Psychological Association summarizes the key issues regarding the use of evidence-based practices for children, adolescents, and their families.
Abstract
In 2005, the American Psychological Association convened a Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) that focused specifically on psychological practice with children and adolescents. This report builds on the work of the Task Force by focusing on the unique challenges faced by practitioners not only in developing and strengthening EBP, but also in enhancing their dissemination efforts. The report is divided into eight sections. The first part of the report contains a brief overview of the history of EBP and the definitions used in EBP when working with children and adolescents. The second section presents the key assumptions of EBP that the Task Force believes are essential components of providing care to children and their families. These assumptions include 1) a shared objective - effective mental health for children, 2) evidence-based assessments, 3) prevention orientation, 4) system-focused interventions, 5) a continuum of care, and 6) culturally responsive EBP. The third section highlights developmental considerations for children and adolescents, while the fourth section provides a summary of EBP for children and adolescents. The fifth section discusses the use of a scientifically minded orientation to EBP while the sixth section focuses on the challenges of implementation and dissemination of EBP. The seventh section of the report addresses training and supervision issues that are an integral part of the continued refinement and dissemination of EBP. The final section of the report contains a set of 18 recommendations that cover 3 areas important to EBP: research and dissemination, education and training, and practice, policy, and public education. References and appendix