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Families benefit most when they get information and support that is based on reliable and expert knowledge. The process of sourcing evidence-based knowledge for parents is just as applicable when agencies and practitioners are looking for a program that will match the needs of the families they are working with.
While access to theoretical findings in child development and parenting science has always been available, there is still a need for a tool that practitioners can use to help them translate scientific findings into practical information and strategies for parents. This PRC project aims to develop capacity in our professional and government systems and agencies, so that reliable and evidence-backed practices can be used with confidence in the wider community.
This tool, the Evidence Framework, will help organisations assess some of the key elements of a program by addressing parents' needs and the specific challenges they face and matching those needs with a program that has demonstrated positive outcomes.
Development of the model
Our team examined scientific literature, authoritative reports, and existing resources that provide guidelines on how to evaluate evidence-informed and evidence-based practice (websites, manuals, guidelines).
We consulted with potential users to ensure that our approach and format would meet their needs. We then created a draft framework with structured content, a planned approach, and method of presentation.
The draft framework has been developed in consultation with the Victorian Government Office for Children.
Framework structure
When fully developed, the framework will use a web-based interactive approach. It will guide the user through a series of typical questions asked by providers when thinking about how to plan for and implement evidence-based practice. The user can work through each question in sequence, working step by step towards a goal.
By answering questions about how they want to help children and what kinds of families they’re working with, providers using the framework can find programs that will work for their community, and will also fit in with the mission, values and capabilities of the organisation. Using the framework will help providers get the best possible outcomes for children and families.
Each step comes with activities and resources to support the user in the evaluation process and guide them through the process.
The Evidence Framework leads providers through a decision-making process of nine main sections, beginning with the desired child outcomes. A flow chart helps users work through each section.
1. Introduction: purpose of the framework and how it can be used
2. Specifying child outcomes
3. Identifying parenting and contextual factors related to child outcomes
4. Sourcing relevant parenting programs/practices
5. Determining the usability/feasibility of programs
6. Examining and judging the quality of programs
7. Examining and judging the evidence base
8. Planning for implementation
9. Evaluating the achievement of outcomes
How the framework will work in practice
The Evidence Framework will help providers make informed decisions about the way they select and implement parenting programs or parenting support practices. To begin, they would identify the outcomes planned for the child; then identify the kinds of parenting factors and the family context that would typically be associated with the achievement of these specific outcomes. This way the provider can be confident that the program chosen meets the needs of the child and the family circumstances.
Further guidelines will help the provider identify, select, or re-examine parenting programs that:
- address the relevant parenting and contextual factors
- are theoretically and empirically sound
- fit with the mission, values and capability of the service or agency.
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