ISSUE BRIEF - When to Adapt: - Ensuring Evidence-Based Treatments Work for Children of Diverse Cultural Backgrounds

A number of EBTs have Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools been developed for children and adolescents with (CBITS),6,7 Modular Approach to Therapy for Children behavioral health concerns. [...] compared to usual care than did White children.12 www.chdi.org/ebt www.chdi.org/ebt WHEN TO ADAPT: ENSURING EBTS WORK FOR CHILDREN OF DIVERSE CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS PAGE 2 OF 4 Despite this, it is important to note that some studies of context in such a way that it is compatible with the EBTs have not included sufficient representation client’s cultural patterns, meanings, and va. [...] Further, recent global systematic reviews typically not conducted to examine if there are group have found the need to address cultural factors to be differences in outcomes based on cultural background.13 among the most common reasons for adaptations to This may be due to the lack of significant representation EBTs, with a review of evidence-based public health of those from diverse cultural back. [...] children and adolescents who experienced trauma finding this to be the second most common reason for Research Shows that Clinicians are Adapting EBTs adaptation.18 to Address Cultural Factors When serving diverse clients, clinicians and Terms used to describe changes to interventions researchers must balance the potential benefits of vary in the literature, and may include “adaptation,” adaptation. [...] interfere with the “active ingredients” of an intervention (i.e., the trauma narrative or psychoeducation in TF-CBT • Track child progress to ensure the adaptation is and CBITS).20,22,24 beneficial: Understand that when deciding to adapt an intervention, clinicians are hypothesizing that the Careful Consideration is Needed When Adapting EBTs adaptation will be beneficial for the child.