The empirical data that could form the foundation of an evidence-based practice in child representation is very sparse. The QIC-ChildRep offers an unprecedented opportunity to begin to develop such a foundation of data. Through an experimental research design, the project is testing the effects of training attorneys in the QIC-ChildRep Best Practice Model and coaching and supplemental training on the outcomes of children in the child welfare system. Our Research Design includes quantitative and qualitative measures and a control group for comparisons. The analysis of the empirical data from this project will help move the field toward a common understanding of what constitutes good representation for children. This research is being conducted in our two Research and Demonstration sites.

The QIC-ChildRep Best Practice Model is informed by current State Laws, our first year Needs Assessment, Academic Literature Review, and is largely based on the 1996 ABA Standards of Practice for Lawyers Who Represent Children in Abuse and Neglect Cases (ABA Standards).