Using Evidence-Based Clearinghouses
Finding the Right Program for Your Community: Why Reinvent the Wheel?
Starting a new community program can feel overwhelming. It takes time, planning, and a lot of effort to figure out what will work best. But here’s a tip—you don’t need to start from scratch. Evidence-based clearinghouses can guide you with proven solutions, and if you need help tailoring those solutions to your community, an implementation support practitioner can be invaluable.
What Are Evidence-Based Clearinghouses?
Clearinghouses are free, online databases filled with research-backed programs and strategies. They’re like treasure troves of successful ideas created by government agencies and research institutions to help you make informed decisions. Clearinghouses group programs by topics and give them ratings based on the level of evidence supporting them (e.g., strong, moderate, promising). Every program has been evaluated through rigorous studies in real-world settings, so you can trust the results.
How Clearinghouses Help You Succeed
Clearinghouses let communities and government agencies explore what has been tested and proven to work. You can find programs that fit your community’s needs and even customize or adapt them if they’re not a perfect match. This is where an implementation support practitioner can step in to help. These professionals are skilled in translating evidence-based solutions into real-world practice. They help you assess the nuances of your community and make thoughtful adjustments to existing programs without compromising the integrity of the evidence.
For those seeking expert guidance, the Colorado Implementation Science Unit (CISU) at the Colorado Department of Human Services is a valuable resource. They specialize in helping communities and government agencies navigate clearinghouses and explore program adaptations that are grounded in solid evidence. Whether you’re identifying the right program or modifying one to fit your unique context, CISU provides hands-on support. They guide you through selecting evidence-based programs, offer advice on program fidelity, and ensure any adaptations still align with best practices.
While some clearinghouses are updated frequently with the latest research, it’s important to verify how current the information is to ensure your program remains relevant and effective.
Top Clearinghouses in Child Welfare
In child welfare, three major clearinghouses are particularly noteworthy:
- The Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse, which supports the implementation of programs aimed at preventing foster care placement. CISU created an infographic (PDF) to help communities better understand this clearinghouse and its rating system.
- The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC), which focuses on programs that enhance family stability and child well-being.
- The Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development, a comprehensive clearinghouse that identifies and reviews programs proven to promote positive youth development, reduce problem behaviors, and improve outcomes for children and families.
Each of these clearinghouses provides valuable, research-backed resources for anyone looking to strengthen families and support children, making them essential tools for improving outcomes in child welfare.
Why Clearinghouses Are a Game-Changer
Why take a chance on an untested idea when there’s a world of proven solutions waiting for you? Evidence-based clearinghouses allow you to build on what’s already working, saving time and money while boosting your chances of success. And with the support of an implementation support practitioner, like those at the Colorado Implementation Science Unit, you can confidently adapt programs to meet your community’s specific needs while maintaining their effectiveness.
So, when you’re ready to launch a new program, don’t reinvent the wheel — use the power of clearinghouses and the expertise of CISU to find, tweak, and start a program that makes a real impact! For inquiries, please contact Tiffany Madrid, Director of Strategic Research and Head of CISU, at tiffany.madrid@state.co.us.
