Evidence-Based Elements of Child Welfare In-Home Services

Abstract

In this article we discuss evidence-based elements of effective in-home child welfare services as a foundation for advancing the evidence base for family-centered child welfare practice. In 2009 the U.S. Children’s Bureau established the National Resource Center for In-Home Services to build the capacity of state and tribal child welfare agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth in their homes, prevent their initial placement or re-entry into out-of-home care, and to support families in their role as primary caregivers. Through a nationwide assessment of in-home services conducted over four years of research and technical assistance, we developed a set of core elements for in-home services. These core elements are supported by empirical research and are congruent with evidence-based practices and programs. We review each of the elements with its underlying research base. We also discuss five evidence-supported in-home services interventions that share many of the elements. We conclude with a discussion of how evidence-based elements can be implemented to strengthen family centered child welfare practice. Key Take Away Points We present a matrix and detailed discussion of evidence-based elements of effective child welfare in-home services. The matrix was developed as a result of a nationwide assessment and provision of technical assistance to states and tribes to build capacity to keep children safe and well at home, as part of the Children’s Bureau funded National Resource Center for In-Home Services. We discuss five evidence-supported in-home services interventions that share many of the elements. We discuss strategies for implementing evidence-based elements in family-centered child welfare practice.