The Academic Collaborative Centre

The rise of evidence-based practice

Fifteen years ago, we found ourselves at a crossroads. Evidence-based practice was gaining ground in the social sector. Our organisation wanted to follow this trend, or even take the lead. At the same time, we were convinced that effectiveness is more than just using scientifically based methodologies.

More than blindly following a methodology

Not only the methodology determines whether a programme with a young person will be successful. Children, young people and their context have often already come a long way when they come to us. They have already tried, experienced and learned a lot. To develop a successful support programme, it is important to build on this and actively use that experiential knowledge.

Support from the organisation is also important: do care workers receive sufficient support from their team leader, can they rely on their colleagues? Finally, local, regional and national policies also play a role: how is youth care managed an implemented?

Focus on the whole picture

Truly evidence-based working is therefore not just about methodology, but about being aware of all these levels, each of which has an impact on the processes we undertake with children, young people and their environment. We call this the broad approach to evidence-based practice.

Utilising scientific knowledge, professional expertise and experiential knowledge

In order to keep all these levels in mind, we believe that it is important to connect different perspectives and knowledge forms. We need scientific knowledge, the experience of clients and the professional expertise of our care workers in order to grow and develop.

An equal dialogue

Jeugdzorg Emmaüs wants to facilitate and stimulate dialogue between care workers, clients, policymakers and researchers as much as possible. Therefore in 2011 we set up an academic collaborative centre within Jeugdzorg Emmaüs in collaboration with two research institutes at KU Leuven (LUCAS and HIVA). In the academic collaborative centre, just as in an academic hospital, research and practice go hand in hand. Questioning yourself and connecting different perspectives are central elements.

Collaboration with academic partners

The academic collaborative centre closely collaborates with universities and university colleges. For each of our studies, we select the most appropriate academic partner based on the expertise needed.

Scientifically based methodologies

In recent years, we have invested in systematic method descriptions within the academic collaborative centre. A researcher worked with teams to systematically describe and scientifically validate their approach to Intensive Pedagogical Home Support. Recently we are scrutinizing existing collaborations between Jeugdzorg Emmaüs and mental health care partners in order to scientifically validate these practices.

Large and small research projects

We carry out both extensive and small-scale research projects. Jeugdzorg Emmaüs enthusiastically participates in bachelor's or master's theses by students from universities and university colleges. We also invest in long-term practice-oriented research and doctoral research. We publish books as well as national and international peer-reviewed articles.

Participatory research

Withing the academic collaborative centre, participatory research is key. Within our research projects, we always look for ways to actively involve children, young people and their natural network. Policy makers and practitioners are also closely involved in our studies. After all, the academic collaborative centre is a platform where clients, care workers, policy makers and scientists work together to provide high-quality, effective and client-oriented support.