Why Evidence-Based Programs?


Why does Evidence-Based Associates utilize evidence-based programs?
Evidence-Based Associates uses evidence-based programs for its performance-based contracts because they:
  • Reduce taxpayers' costs. Systems save an average of $30,000 per youth when evidence-based programs are utilized as an alternative to placement.
  • Eliminate the growing need for expensive new prison construction and staffing
  • Reduce re-arrests. Redirecting youth to evidence-based services will lower the severity level of future offenses.
  • Give troubled youth the chance to change. Youth served in evidence-based programs commit up to 50 percent fewer crimes.
Bottom line:
Complete accountability; improved results or money back.


FACT: The large majority of programs implemented in our communities have little or no credible research or evidence of effectiveness, lead funders to risk having poor outcomes and millions in wasted resources each year.

FACT: Investments in proven, tested, research-based programs lead to greatly improved outcomes and significant cost savings.

According to a review by the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado, of the more than 700 prevention/intervention programs that claim to prevent or deter violence, drug use or delinquent behavior, less than 20 percent have any rigorous evaluation or proof of effectiveness.

"No respectable business would invest millions of dollars in an enterprise without assessing its profit potential. No reputable physician would subject a patient to a medical treatment for which there was no evidence of its effectiveness," says Delbert Elliott, director of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence. "A responsible accounting to the taxpayers, private foundations, or businesses funding these programs requires that we justify these expenditures with tangible results."

Evidence-Based Associates works with our partners to effectively implement ONLY proven-effective, evidence-based programs that deliver those tangible results. We are so certain that we can deliver results that Evidence-Based Associates prefers performance-based contracts - contracts guaranteeing the outcomes desired or returning funding for youth who don't succeed.