Translating and Implementing Evidence-Based Mental Health Services in Child Welfare

Children in the child welfare system with mental health difficulties seldom receive evidence-based treatment (EBT) despite the abundance of validated interventions that exist. This manuscript describes two projects aimed at increasing access to EBTs. The first is a completed field trial of an adapted parent–child interaction therapy intervention with foster-parent child dyads. New findings are presented from variable- and person-centered analyses of impact on diverse symptom profiles. The second is an ongoing statewide initiative that is increasing access to multiple EBTs while navigating implementation barriers. Lessons learned for bridging gaps between children’s mental health research, services, and policy are discussed.