Innovation in Child Welfare: Factors Affecting Adoption of Empirically Supported Interventions

July 10, 2021 | NWI

Citation: Agner, J., Barile, J. P., Chandler, S. M., & Berry, M. (2020). Innovation in Child Welfare: Factors Affecting Adoption of Empirically Supported Interventions. Children & Youth Services Review, 119.

Abstract: This article examines barriers and supports to innovation and utilization of ESIs in child welfare. Despite a push to utilize evidence-informed practice there has been little research on unique challenges of implementing empirically supported interventions (ESIs) in child welfare. This study addresses that gap by identifying factors affecting adoption of three ESIs introduced to the child welfare system in Hawai’i: Intensive Home-based Services, Family Wraparound, and Safety, Permanency, and Well-being. Findings suggest workload, time commitment, and perceived risk of the interventions should be addressed during the implementation of new programs in child welfare, and that the caseworker’s social system can be targeted to improve relative advantage of new interventions. This study aims to contribute to knowledge on successful implementation of ESIs in child welfare to improve essential services for children and families.