Mitigating barriers to implementing evidence-based interventions in child welfare: Lessons learned from scholars and agency directors

Abstract Decades of research shows that casework services as usual are ineffective in reducing risk factors associated with child welfare involvement. Although child welfare leaders recognize the impetus to implement evidence-based practice (EBP), they aren't privy to how to optimize provider, organizational, and political contexts to promote implementation. Qualitative data collected from scholars and leaders in this study furthers the development of theories and guidance on how to promote EBPs that are effective, relevant, and responsive to racial and ethnic diversity. Findings reveal that future efforts should be devoted to cultivating an optimal implementation climate to increase efficacy and relevancy of cultural exchanges with colleagues.