District of Columbia

Evidence-Based Associates (EBA) has worked with the District of Columbia since 2009 to help oversee the implementation of a variety of evidence-based programs for at-risk youth and their families.

Families First Project (with DBH) | Jan. 2011-present

Under Families First, EBA provides Implementation support (i.e. program development and program implementation support) services as Choice Providers implement chosen EBPs for various populations of children and families. Under the direction of DBH Children and Youth Services Division leaders, EBA supports and facilitates all aspects of the training and post-training activities for each EBP model. CSAs who elect and are chosen to deliver evidenced based treatments will be trained and provided with on-site follow-up and support. EBA, in conjunction with DBH, develops and executes procedures and processes for client identification, referral, screening and placement associated with each EBP.

The implementation of "Families First" has created home-based, family-focused alternatives for children at risk of out-of-home placement. Also, the expert consultants contracted within Families First train therapists to develop new and stronger skills to bring families back together where children have been placed in foster care, and to help families gain skills that prevent the need for placement or outside intervention.

Below are the models currently in use in the Families First project in the District of Columbia.

EBA's role in the Families First project can be broken into 4 different categories.

 

  Families First Manual

Monthly Dashboard

 

Testimonials regarding EBA's work in the District of Columbia

"EBA has a passion for evidence-based approaches, and I've learned so much working with them. They do so much of the work in contracting and legwork, so that the trainer can focus on the roll out of the treatment model."

Reesa Donnelly, Psy.D.
President/PCIT Global Trainer
Dr. Reesa Donnelly, Inc.

"I have had the pleasure of working with EBA since 2013 to support efforts to bring evidence-based trauma treatments to families in the District. The EBA team is passionate about assuring that children are getting the best care. They collaborate with trainers and developers to deliver high quality training and build the supports necessary to create a network of care for families in D.C."

Kay Connors, MSW, LCSW-C
Program DIrector/CPP Instructor
Department of Psychiatry
University of Maryland School of Medicine

"Maryland Family Resource has enjoyed working with EBA and have derived countless benefits from our partnership. They have consistently been very helpful, supportive, organized, and extremely professional in their interactions. Not only have they been integral in the promotion and sustainability of evidence-based practices, but they have also been very compassionate about ensuring timely access to appropriate pathways to recovery, resilience, and other positive outcomes for our consumers and families in the District."

Beth Lee Crawford, Psy.D.
Chief Executive Officer/Clinical Director
Maryland Family Resource, Inc.

Otis Buckson
Project Director, Families First Program
obuckson@ebanetwork.com

Buckson is an experienced Human Service Administrator, dedicating much of his career to working in the fields of Family Stability, Youth Advocacy, Workforce Development, and Re-entry. Currently, Buckson serves as Program Director for the Families First program in the District of Columbia. He is responsible for developing, directing, and overseeing all aspects of the project. Prior to joining Evidence-Based Associates, Buckson provided administrative oversight for multiple agencies in Baltimore, Maryland, which included but was not limited to program monitoring and compliance. Buckson received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Morgan State University and a Master of Science degree in Human Services Administration through a collaborative program at the University of Baltimore & Coppin State University.

Nathan McCoy
Program Manager, Families First Program
nmccoy@ebanetwork.com

McCoy is currently the project manager for the Families First project in Washington, DC, a project established by the District of Columbia Department of Mental Health to help expand the utilization of evidence-based practices for youth and families throughout the district. McCoy has extensive experience in project management and problem solving within the youth advocacy field including his time as a program analyst for the District Youth Rehabilitation Services department, and has worked in the customer service field for more than 30 years.

Holly Duggan
Director of Special Projects
hduggan@ebanetwork.com

Holly Duggan brings 20+ years of experience in the behavioral health industry with a bachelor's degree in psychology from St. Lawrence University and a master’s degree in Child and Family Studies from Syracuse University. She has served in both clinical roles and management level positions with a large private provider including Site Director, Regional VP of Operations and Director of Programs & Services where she assisted in the implementation of multiple evidence-based programs on the east coast. At EBA, Holly serves as Director of Special Projects where she supports systems to implement evidence-based programs with fidelity and assists in project management for a variety of other initiatives. Holly thrives on a collaborative approach to achieving goals and her positive attitude and approachability bring people together to build energy and engagement, foster relationships, and move teams to successful outcomes.