The California Institute for Behavioral Health Solutions
(CIBHS) work in the area of “evidence-based practices” began in
2001 with the CIBHS Center for Child and Family Services report
and training Evidence-based Practices in Mental
Health Services for Foster Youth. This has
evolved to become an agency–wide effort designated the
Values-Driven Evidence-Based Practices
Initiative. The CIBHS Values-Driven Evidence-Based
Practices Initiative is designed to bring together principles
associated with Recovery and Wellness, Cultural Competence, and
Consumer and Family Driven care with the best scientific research
information on effectiveness to continuously improve the mental
health system and services in California.
This initiative is guided by the following
principles:
Consumers, family members, service providers, managers,
administrators and other interested members of our communities
should have information regarding the effectiveness – as
assessed through research – of particular mental health
practices to assure fully informed decision
making.
The selection and adoption of new practices need to
prioritize consumer and family choice, cultural competency, and
proven effectiveness along with other priorities unique to each
service system and community.
Comprehensive implementation processes, which adequately
support practitioners, managers, and administrators, are
critical to improving the quality and effectiveness of mental
health services.
The CIBHS Values-Driven Evidence-Based Practices Initiative is
constantly evolving in response to new research findings, the
experiences of agencies, providers, consumers and families, and
input from key stakeholders.
