Child Welfare Relevance Ratings

This rating system examines the target population for which the program was developed and the child welfare outcomes that were examined in its evaluations, and then assigns a Relevance to Child Welfare rating to the program. A lower score indicates a greater level of relevance to child welfare. The Child Welfare Outcomes that were examined in the available research evidence are also listed for the program.

Relevance to Child Welfare Populations

1 - High

The program was designed, or is commonly used, to meet the needs of children, youth, young adults, and/or families receiving child welfare services.

2 - Medium

The program was designed, or is commonly used, to serve children, youth, young adults, and/or families who are similar to child welfare populations (i.e., in history, demographics, or presenting problems) and likely include current and former child welfare services recipients.

3 - Low

The program was designed, or is commonly used, to serve children, youth, young adults, and/or families with little or no apparent similarity to the child welfare services population.

NR - Not able to be Rated

To avoid confusion over rating categories, the CEBC does not rate a program on the Relevance to Child Welfare Scale unless it has adequate research evidence to be rated on the CEBC Scientific Rating Scale. This is true even if a program has been designed for, or is currently being used with, a child welfare population. All programs that are classified "NR - Not able to be Rated" on the Scientific Rating Scale are also classified "NR - Not able to be Rated" on the Child Welfare Relevance Rating Scale.

Child Welfare Outcomes - peer-reviewed studies (published or in press). The Child Welfare Outcomes are based on research evidence and listed directly under the Scientific Rating and Relevance to Child Welfare Rating on each program's description page. If the program is classified as "NR-Not able to be Rated," there will not be any Child Welfare Outcomes listed. The descriptions of the Child Welfare Outcomes are listed below:

The program evaluation had measures relevant to safety.

Children are, first and foremost, protected from abuse and neglect.
Children are safely maintained in their homes whenever possible and appropriate.

The program evaluation had measures relevant to permanency.

Children have permanency and stability in their living situations.
The continuity of family relationships and connections is preserved for families.

The program evaluation had measures relevant to child and family well-being.

Families have enhanced capacity to provide for their children's needs.
Children receive appropriate services to meet their educational needs.
Children receive adequate services to meet their physical and mental health needs.