Evidence-based intervention and services for high-risk youth: a North American perspective on the challenges of integration for policy, practice and research

This paper explores the cross-national challenges of integrating evidence-based interventions into existing services for high-resource-using children and youth. Using several North American model programme exemplars that have demonstrated efficacy, the paper explores multiple challenges confronting policy-makers, evaluation researchers and practitioners who seek to enhance outcomes for troubled children and youth and improve overall service effectiveness. The paper concludes with practical implications for youth and family professionals, researchers, service agencies and policy–makers, with particular emphasis on possibilities for cross-national collaboration.