From efficacy to implementation in child welfare: exploring professional-perceived barriers to translating an evidence-based intervention into sustainable practice

Evidence-based parenting programs promote children’s safety, permanency, and well-being. Despite strong evidence of effectiveness, widespread adoption and sustained implementation remain limited. This study examined barriers to implementing Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC), a home-visiting intervention, within a Regional Partnership Grant serving child welfare-involved families in a Midwestern state. A retrospective post-implementation survey of 20 professionals (23.8% response rate) identified barriers including limited professional engagement, duplication of services, weak referral pathways, poor cross-system collaboration, and stakeholder buy-in. Despite funding, planning, and training, barriers hindered implementation, highlighting the complexity of sustaining evidence-based interventions in child welfare systems.