Youth care workers' perspectives on and adoption of evidence-based practice

Despite increased emphasis on evidence-based practice (EBP), the limited implementation of EBP is a well-known reality. This research examines youth care practitioners' knowledge of, attitudes toward and adoption of EBP (N = 74). Additionally, the difference between EBP and empirically supported treatments (ESTs) is made. Findings show that some practitioner background variables are related to their knowledge of and attitudes toward EBP, but not to ESTs. Findings also provide evidence for current dissemination and implementation models that strongly emphasize the importance of good knowledge of and favorable attitudes toward EBP and EST by practitioners. Expanding the knowledge base of practitioners and positively influencing their attitudes toward EBP are two of the tracks for closing the gap between research and practice.