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Evidence Based Practices

The growing trend toward the use of Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) in children’s mental health services has been gaining recognition and importance in Ontario.

CMHO's Commitment

One of CMHO's main objectives is that children, youth, and families who receive services from CMHO-affiliated organizations achieve an improved quality of life. Our ultimate goal is that all services delivered by children’s mental health providers become evidence-based, empirically supported, and result in positive clinical outcomes for participants.

As a leader in the field, CMHO has taken a proactive role through its Accreditation Program and EBP Working Group in the adoption and implementation of evidence-based, empirically supported service delivery models:

  • In 2001, CMHO established an Evidence-Based Practices Committee (EBPC) to research proven ways of treating children with mental health disorders. This Committee -- comprised of individuals from member centres including Executive Directors, senior clinical managers, researchers, CMHO board members, and community partners -- developed a series of literature reviews, practice guides and tools in the areas of: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Conduct Disorder, Depression, and Early Childhood Mental Health.
  • In 2005, CMHO funded the Knowledge Transfer and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices in Children's Mental Health project -- a collaborative effort with various partners, operating under the guidance of CMHO's EBPC. You can read more about this project's objectives and outcomes here.
  • In January 2008, CMHO’s EBP Working Group (formerly known as EBPC) produced and released the Evidence Based Practice Consultation Paper which: (1) framed CMHO's vision of implementing evidence-based, empirically supported service delivery models, and (2) engaged stakeholders in the process of moving forward together toward the realization of CMHO's vision. Download the Consultation Paper here (PDF, 48 pages). Feedback on the Consultation Paper was collected through 11 regional consultations with CMHO's Member Centres, as well as two consumer sessions. This report (PDF, 8 pages) summarizes key messages and emergent themes, and outlines possible starting points recommended by participants.
  • The EBP Working Group has four sub-committees: Implementation, Outcomes, Finance, and Project Review. The Working Group provides leadership, support and expertise to guide the sub-committees and CMHO’s ongoing work to realize the following outcome: All services delivered by CMHO-accredited organizations will be: evidence-based, empirically supported, demonstrate, or be in the process of demonstrating, success in achieving positive outcomes for participants.

CMHO's Project Review Sub-Committee

On an on-going basis, CMHO receives requests from various researchers, asking us to participate on projects. The level of participation required varies in range from letters of endorsement, commitment of staff resources, to full partnership involvement in a project initiative.

In an attempt to create a stream-lined process the Project Review Sub-committee was created. The Project Review Sub-Committee is a sub-committee of the Evidence-Based Practices Working Group. The sub-committee is charged with the responsibility of (1) reviewing proposals for research and evaluation projects in which CMHO has been asked to actively participate in, or to endorse, and (2) making recommendations about CMHO involvement.

The sub-committee’s expertise in research and evaluation helps to ensure that CMHO endorses or participates in projects that meet high standards of quality. For a description of the sub-committee's areas of expertise, download this document (PDF, 2 pgs).

If you are interested in CMHO participating on your project, please submit one of the two forms below:

  • Letter of Support Form (MS DOC, 3 pages)
    This form is to be completed if you are requesting a letter of support. If you would like CMHO to actively participate in or to be a partner organization in your project, please complete the 'Research Participation' form (below). All questions must be completed in the space provided. You may append additional documents, as necessary. Only completed forms will be considered for review. Once the form is complete, return it and all accompanying documentation to Frances Ruffolo (frances AT cmho.org). Your request will be forwarded to the Project Review Sub-Committee of the Evidence-based Practices Committee for review. Allow two to three weeks for processing. Decisions regarding your request will be forwarded to you once the review is completed. Information submitted for review will be kept in strict confidence.
  • Research Participation Form (MS DOC, 3 pages)
    This form is to be completed if you would like CMHO to actively participate in or to be a partner organization in your project. If you are requesting a letter of support, please complete the 'Letter of Support' form (above). All questions must be completed in the space provided. You may append additional documents, as necessary. Only completed forms will be considered for review. Once this form is complete, return it and all accompanying documentation to Frances Ruffolo (frances AT cmho.org). Your request will be forwarded to the Project Review Sub-Committee of the Evidence-based Practices Committee for review. Allow two to three weeks for processing. Decisions regarding your request will be forwarded to you once the review is completed. Information submitted for review will be kept in strict confidence.