Evidence-Based Programs
What are evidence-based programs?
In recent years, there has been increased pressure from funding agencies and federal, state and local governments for greater effectiveness and accountability of prevention and intervention programs. This rising demand for program quality, and evidence of that quality, has fueled a growing interest in evidence-based programs.
A growing body of research in the social and behavioral sciences has demonstrated that certain approaches and strategies for working with youth and their families can positively impact important social problems such as delinquency, teen pregnancy, substance abuse and family violence. Many of these effective approaches and strategies have been packaged into programs targeting outcomes specific to individuals, schools, families, and communities.
Those programs that have been found to be effective based on the results of rigorous evaluations are often called “evidence-based.” When a program has sufficient peer-reviewed, empirical evidence for its effectiveness, its developer will typically submit it to certain federal agencies and respected research organizations for consideration. These organizations “certify” or “endorse” programs by including them in their official lists of effective programs. This lets others in the field know the program meets certain standards of effectiveness.
A program is judged to be evidence-based if (a) evaluation re-search shows that the program produces the expected positive results; (b) the results can be attributed to the program itself, rather than to other extraneous factors or events; (c) the evaluation is peer-reviewed by experts in the field; and (d) the program is “endorsed” by a federal agency or respected research organization and included in their list of effective programs.
What are the advantages to using evidence-based programs?
There are numerous merits to adopting and implementing evidence-based programs. First, utilizing an evidence-based program increases the odds that the program will work as intended and that the public good will be enhanced. There is also greater efficiency in using limited resources on what has been proven to work as compared to what people think will work or what has traditionally been done. Instead of putting resources toward program development, organizations can select from the growing number of evidence-based programs, which are not only known to be effective but also often offer well-packaged program materials, staff training, and technical assistance. Using evidence-based programs where appropriate can thus be viewed as a responsible and thoughtful use of limited resources.
What is NREPP?
The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) is a searchable online registry of mental health and substance abuse interventions that have been reviewed and rated by independent reviewers.
The purpose of this registry is to assist the public in identifying approaches to preventing and treating mental and/or substance use disorders that have been scientifically tested and that can be readily disseminated to the field. NREPP is one way that SAMHSA is working to improve access to information on tested interventions and thereby reduce the lag time between the creation of scientific knowledge and its practical application in the field.
NREPP is a voluntary, self-nominating system in which intervention developers elect to participate. There will always be some interventions that are not submitted to NREPP, and not all that are submitted are reviewed. In addition, new intervention summaries are continually being added. The registry is expected to grow to a large number of interventions over the coming months and years. Please check back regularly to access the latest updates.
What evidence-based programs does Afternoons R.O.C.K. in Indiana use?
The evidence-based programs listed below are approved for use in Afternoons R.O.C.K. in Indiana programs.
- All Stars Junior Community
- All Stars Core
- Too Good for Drugs and Violence After School Activities
- Project ALERT
- Positive Action 5th Grade Drug Supplement Kit
- Positive Action Middle School Drug Supplement Kit
- Start SMART **Boys and Girls Clubs Only**
- Stay SMART **Boys and Girls Clubs Only**
Sources:
- Evidence-based programs: An overview. What Works, Wisconsin–Research to Practice Series, #6
- The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP)
