Evidence-Based Practices

The Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse was established by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct an objective and transparent review of research on programs and services intended to provide enhanced support to children and families and prevent foster care placements. The Clearinghouse reviews evidence on mental health, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and in-home parent skill-based programs and services, as well as kinship navigator programs.

The Prevention Services Clearinghouse uses a systematic review process that is implemented by trained reviewers using consistent, transparent standards and procedures. Clearinghouse staff use this systematic review process to (1) identify programs and services for review, (2) select and prioritize programs and services for review, (3) conduct a literature search to locate research studies on the effectiveness of the prioritized programs and services, (4) screen studies for eligibility and prioritize them for review, (5) conduct an evidence review to rate the strength of evidence of the studies using the design and execution standards, and (6) rate programs and services as well-supported, supported, promising, or does not currently meet criteria.

DCYF has inventoried the current offerings to determine how they line up with the three standards of evidence. So far, five EBPs that are used in DCYF made the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse well-supported list:

  • Parents as Teachers (PAT)
  • Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)
  • Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
  • Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
  • Multisystemic Therapy (MST)