Use of Research Evidence

California and several counties in Ohio are currently undergoing a large, federally funded trial investigating an attempt to implement an evidence-based, statewide foster care program (Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care, or MTFC) with the help of Community Development Teams (CDT).

This award builds on an NIH-funded cluster-randomized trial to test whether providing implementation support through community development teams impacts a county’s decision to adopt the Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care, an evidence-based child welfare program. With this award, Palinkas will...

Support was provided for a book that intends to improve understanding and communication between the research and policy communities.

What are the best ways to strengthen the quality, use, and utility of social science research?

How do policy influentials use research-based evidence on the effectiveness of sex education in schools?

What types of indicators and data, if any, make a difference to policymakers? How can their impact be enhanced?