Rating Scales Overview

There are two rating scales used on the CEBC website. Please see their descriptions below:

Scientific Rating Scale

This scale is a 1 to 5 rating of the strength of the research evidence supporting the practice. A scientific rating of 1 represents a practice with the strongest research evidence and a 5 represents a concerning practice that appears to pose substantial risk to children and families. Some programs do not currently have strong enough research evidence to be rated on the Scientific Rating Scale and are classified as "NR - Not able to be Rated." Please click on the Scientific Rating Scale link above to see the whole rating scale including a definition of the "NR - Not able to be Rated" classification.

Child Welfare Relevance Rating Scale

The second type of rating, The Child Welfare Relevance Rating, examines the degree to which the program or model was designed for families served within the child welfare system. This rating is only given if the program is able to be rated a 1 through 5 on the Scientific Rating scale. The Child Welfare Relevance Rating Scale is needed as some well-researched practices may never have been intended for child welfare applications and the research upon which the scientific rating is made, may have little relevance to child welfare environments. Click on the Child Welfare Relevance Rating Scale link above to see the whole rating scale.

Provisional Rating

After the programs have been reviewed and rated, a provisional rating will be provided for 60 days. If you would like to provide feedback for any of the identified programs, you can find a feedback form on that program's detailed report or use our general contact form.