IN PRACTICE
Applying the research evidence
Also in this issue
- IN COMMENTARY
Disruptive behaviours: The numbers, the causes and the costs of not intervening - IN REVIEW
Addressing disruptive behaviours - IN FOCUS
The latest evidence on Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) - IN PRACTICE
Applying the research evidence
We recently spoke with Barry Fulton of CYMH with MCFD to discuss his experiences using “evidence-informed practices” in providing services to children with disruptive behaviours. Barry is Social Worker and CYMH Manager for Transitional Services within the Okanagan Region.
Barry recounted the changes he has experienced during his 27 years of helping children with behaviour problems. He described the frustration experienced by many practitioners when they used interventions that did not produce expected results, such as “scared straight programs”. Scared straight programs have been used within some juvenile justice systems. Such programs typically involve trying to stop a child’s disruptive behaviours by attempting to evoke fear of the possible negative outcomes. Examples have included touring youth through jail facilities and morgues.
In contrast, Barry noted the shift to using “evidence-informed practices” has produced some very positive results. He described being drawn to these interventions because they gave him the necessary confidence in the effectiveness of his work –– especially over the long-term. Many of the empirically-based interventions also make sense on a personal level for Barry as a parent. He described programs that include a parenting component as enabling “parents and children to get closer together.”
The shift to using “evidence-informed practices” has produced some very positive results
He added that it is vital to be systematic in addressing behaviour problems if we are to be effective. For example, it has been critical in his work to develop partnerships with those organizations frequently involved in the lives of children with disruptive behaviours including the schools and child protection and youth justice agencies. To ensure a greater chance of success, Barry highlighted the importance of “moving it out of the office and into the community and homes.”