As the Third-Party Administrator for the Scaling Evidence-Based and Community-Defined Practices grant program under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), CIBHS utilizes implementation science as a foundational tenet in their Learning Collaboratives, which are central to their training and technical services.

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) and community-defined evidence practices (CDEPs) can enhance equity in behavioral health access, quality, and outcomes. However, their effectiveness is significantly diminished if integrated into organizations that are not actively working toward anti-racism to promote behavioral health equity. EBPs and CDEPs do not operate in isolation; they must be woven into the organizational culture, practices, policies, and programs. If an organization struggles with active anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion (ARDI), the implementation of EBPs and CDEPs will reflect the organization’s existing values and culture, limiting the potential benefits for children and youth who are from either or both of the following groups: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and the LGBTQIA+ community, the target population for CYBHI.

Nearly 400 grantees participate in CIBHS’ Learning Collaboratives, where implementation science is paired with a focus on equity to effectively support the adoption of their selected EBP/CDEP. This initiative aims to increase access to behavioral health services for children and youth aged 0-25 and their families. The grant program is part of a larger investment strategy aimed at transforming behavioral health services in California.