Programs are placed on the Continuum using a framework of criteria that evaluates the strength of the evidence.

• Effective: Strongest evidence from multiple rigorous studies.
• Promising: Some evidence of effectiveness, but more research needed.
• Unclear (+): Positive results, but studies may be limited in design or scope.
• Unclear 0: No Evaluations: No formal evaluation; effectiveness unknown.

Learn more about the placement process and what each placement means.

Not necessarily. Programs placed on the Continuum from Unclear (+) to Effective have demonstrated positive results in peer-reviewed evaluations.

While Effective programs have the strongest evidence, other categories can still be a good fit depending on your goals and resources.

• Consider programs in the Unclear (+) category. These have shown positive results, but studies may be limited.
• Programs in Unclear 0: No Evaluations may suit your needs, but have not been formally evaluated, so effectiveness is unknown.

• Universal: Serve everyone in a population, regardless of risk factors.
  Example: Parenting classes for all parents.
• Selective: For groups at higher risk for a particular issue.
  Example: Mentoring programs for at-risk youth.
• Indicated: For individuals already showing early signs of a problem, but not meeting diagnostic criteria.
  Example: Substance abuse prevention for students with problem behaviors.

If you can’t find a program that addresses your topic of interest, our Technical Assistance team can help.

• Contact us
• Join our monthly Open Office Hours

We’ll work with you to identify a program that meets your specific goals and needs.