Planting the seeds of evidence based practice in a child protection clinical service

Clinical psychologists are increasingly called upon to provide leadership in the public sector, applying scientific and interpersonal competencies to the complex challenges faced in health and human services (Shullman, 2020; Baker et al, 2008; Chu et al, 2012). In response to one such opportunity, an invitation to identify evidence-based practices for an existing Child Protection clinical support service in Prince Edward Island, Canada, this research explored ways to strengthen a program for families involved in child maltreatment investigations. The Family Ties program has 7 clinicians providing individual and group supports for approximately 200 clients per year. Using elements of participatory action research, implementation science, and codesign methodology, a checklist process was developed and refined to summarize caseloads, and an assessment toolkit was created through the piloting of measures chosen from a catalogue developed for this purpose. Participating clinicians examined and critically appraised their existing practices, demonstrating reflexivity and flexibility. Framework Analysis of interview and meeting notes taken during this participatory process reveal additional program strengths and areas for growth. Results will be of interest to three audiences. Child and family clinical service providers will find flexible, evidence-based ways to introduce assessment into existing practice. Clinical leaders seeking to foster program improvements in complex settings will find techniques for building interdisciplinary partnership to mobilize psychological knowledge incrementally and respectfully. And crucially, for clients of the Family Ties program, it is hoped that the seeds of practice change planted through this project will grow into program enhancements that complement existing strengths