Implementation Decision Guide for Child Welfare
In order to provide guidance and support for implementation, the
Implementation Decision Guide for Child Welfare uses a multi-level
process model of implementation that takes into account system and
organizational context as well as the ways that people, systems, and
organizations interact.
Implementation Basics: Food for Thought on Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
The process of implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs) is often
complex and challenging. Many efforts to implement programs designed to
improve the quality and outcomes of human services have not reached
their full potential due to a variety of challenges inherent in the
implementation process. For example, moving the workforce to a new way
of interacting with clients may involve an ideological shift in provider
self-concept or perceived workload. With high documentation demands,
EBPs may add another layer to an already taxing workload. When employees
are overloaded, motivation to learn new skills or approaches may
suffer.
Implementation of innovative human service technologies, such as
EBPs, is generally considered to be more complex than implementation of
other types of technology (e.g., computer software). This is considered
to be due to the fact that EBPs are human service technologies
delivered within complex, multi-layered social service systems that rely
on the actions of individual clinicians and case-managers working in
organizations. For example, state and county child welfare agencies
operate within a federal and state legislative and policy environment
and contracting organizations operate in relation to this larger outer
context.
Click here for a list of references for this section.
Key Concepts of Implementation and Conceptual Model of EBP Implementation and Sustainment in Child Welfare
Part of the Implementation Decision Guide is defining all of the key
concepts for implementation and graphically representing them in the
Conceptual Model of EBP Implementation and Sustainment in Child Welfare.
Click here to find out about these key concepts and how they fit
together.
Where are You on the Implementation Continuum?
Another key part of the Implementation Decision Guide is understanding
that implementation of evidence-based practices occurs on a continuum
that can move forwards and backwards with the knowledge that
organizations and practices are dynamic and made need to go back to an
earlier phase of implementation in order to maintain sustainment.
Please click here for a further explanation and link to an interactive
graphic.
