Programs for Children and Youth In A Community Context. Research-to-Results Practitioner Insights. Publication #2009-35.

OVERVIEW Participants in a recent Child Trends Roundtable explored how evidence-based programs might be integrated into community initiatives to strengthen outcomes for children. Participants discussed both practice and policy implications for this approach. Those attending agreed that it was important for programs and initiatives to be based on research, but noted that many gaps exist in available research and that no one simple formula exists for improving child outcomes. Participants also noted that communities and the initiatives that they implement differ in many ways. Consequently, evidence-based programs often need to be adapted to recognize these differences, while retaining core components and fidelity of implementation. Participants emphasized the need for programs to identify outcomes and to be data driven. While agreeing that integrating evidence-based programs into community initiatives is harder than it sounds, participants said that synergies were likely to result and that ways to integrate and align out-ofschool time programs with community initiatives need greater attention. Insights from this Roundtable provide valuable guidance to policymakers and foundations considering investments in similar initiatives and to communities seeking to build or improve a system of services for disadvantaged children and youth.