Evidence-Based Policymaking: Findings From States
In a new report, the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative assesses the prevalence and sophistication of six key evidence-based policymaking actions—in each state and the District of Columbia—across four policy areas: behavioral health, child welfare, criminal justice, and juvenile justice. States are categorized as Leading, Established, Modest, or Trailing in their levels of evidence-based policymaking.
These interactive maps provide a range of information regarding states’ engagement in evidence-based policymaking. The first map shows how each state scored overall, while the other two maps detail implementation of particular actions across the policy areas studied. In the full report, Pew researchers explain methods and findings in depth, exploring how states have created different tools and processes to incorporate evidence into decision-making.
For more information, please visit the report.
Overall, Most States Show Modest Levels of Evidence-Based Policymaking
Pew analysis shows which lead and trail, and how all 50 compare
Alabama is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 11 evidence-based policymaking actions (1 advanced and 10 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Alaska is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 12 evidence-based policymaking actions (2 advanced and 10 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Arizona is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 11 evidence-based policymaking actions (1 advanced and 10 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Arkansas is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 7 evidence-based policymaking actions (1 advanced and 6 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
California is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 10 evidence-based policymaking actions (1 advanced and 9 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Colorado is one of 11 Established states; the state has taken 11 evidence-based policymaking actions (9 advanced and 2 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Connecticut is one of 5 Leading states; the state has taken 18 evidence-based policymaking actions (7 advanced and 11 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Delaware is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 9 evidence-based policymaking actions (zero advanced and 9 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
DC is one of 28 Modest states; the District has taken 11 evidence-based policymaking actions (zero advanced and 11 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Florida is one of 11 Established states; the state has taken 14 evidence-based policymaking actions (7 advanced and 7 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Georgia is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 11 evidence-based policymaking actions (3 advanced and 8 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Hawaii is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 9 evidence-based policymaking actions (1 advanced and 8 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Idaho is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 11 evidence-based policymaking actions (1 advanced and 10 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Illinois is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 9 evidence-based policymaking actions (1 advanced and 8 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Indiana is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 8 evidence-based policymaking actions (zero advanced and 8 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Iowa is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 11 evidence-based policymaking actions (3 advanced and 8 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Kansas is one of 11 Established states; the state has taken 12 evidence-based policymaking actions (4 advanced and 8 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Kentucky is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 9 evidence-based policymaking actions (2 advanced and 7 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Louisiana is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 13 evidence-based policymaking actions (2 advanced and 11 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Maine is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 8 evidence-based policymaking actions (2 advanced and 6 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Maryland is one of 7 Trailing states; the state has taken 7 evidence-based policymaking actions (zero advanced and 7 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Massachusetts is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 13 evidence-based policymaking actions (2 advanced and 11 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Michigan is one of 7 Trailing states; the state has taken 7 evidence-based policymaking actions (zero advanced and 7 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Minnesota is one of 5 Leading states; the state has taken 18 evidence-based policymaking actions (8 advanced and 10 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Mississippi is one of 11 Established states; the state has taken 12 evidence-based policymaking actions (9 advanced and 3 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Missouri is one of 11 Established states; the state has taken 16 evidence-based policymaking actions (4 advanced and 12 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Montana is one of 7 Trailing states; the state has taken 3 evidence-based policymaking actions (zero advanced and 3 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Nebraska is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 9 evidence-based policymaking actions (2 advanced and 7 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Nevada is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 10 evidence-based policymaking actions (1 advanced and 9 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
New Hampshire is one of 7 Trailing states; the state has taken 6 evidence-based policymaking actions (1 advanced and 5 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
New Jersey is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 9 evidence-based policymaking actions (zero advanced and 9 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
New Mexico is one of 11 Established states; the state has taken 16 evidence-based policymaking actions (6 advanced and 10 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
New York is one of 11 Established states; the state has taken 15 evidence-based policymaking actions (5 advanced and 10 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
North Carolina is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 10 evidence-based policymaking actions (5 advanced and 5 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
North Dakota is one of 7 Trailing states; the state has taken 5 evidence-based policymaking actions (1 advanced and 4 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Ohio is one of 11 Established states; the state has taken 11 evidence-based policymaking actions (7 advanced and 4 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Oklahoma is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 13 evidence-based policymaking actions (2 advanced and 11 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Oregon is one of 5 Leading states; the state has taken 17 evidence-based policymaking actions (8 advanced and 9 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Pennsylvania is one of 11 Established states; the state has taken 13 evidence-based policymaking actions (3 advanced and 10 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Rhode Island is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 8 evidence-based policymaking actions (4 advanced and 4 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
South Carolina is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 10 evidence-based policymaking actions (2 advanced and 8 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
South Dakota is one of 7 Trailing states; the state has taken 6 evidence-based policymaking actions (zero advanced and 6 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Tennessee is one of 11 Established states; the state has taken 13 evidence-based policymaking actions (3 advanced and 10 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Texas is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 14 evidence-based policymaking actions (1 advanced and 13 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Utah is one of 5 Leading states; the state has taken 17 evidence-based policymaking actions (11 advanced and 6 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Vermont is one of 11 Established states; the state has taken 11 evidence-based policymaking actions (5 advanced and 6 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Virginia is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 10 evidence-based policymaking actions (zero advanced and 10 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Washington is one of 5 Leading states; the state has taken 22 evidence-based policymaking actions (16 advanced and 6 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
West Virginia is one of 7 Trailing states; the state has taken 4 evidence-based policymaking actions (2 advanced and 2 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Wisconsin is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 12 evidence-based policymaking actions (3 advanced and 9 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Wyoming is one of 28 Modest states; the state has taken 9 evidence-based policymaking actions (3 advanced and 6 minimum) across the four policy areas studied.
Defining Evidence, Inventorying Programs, and Comparing Costs and Benefits
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
| Evidence-based policymaking actions | To attain advanced status, a state must have: | To attain minimum status, a state must have: |
|---|---|---|
| Define levels of evidence | Definitions of multiple tiers of evidence that specify the strength of research methods (e.g., randomized controlled trial) or reputable source for categorization (e.g., What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse) | A definition of one tier of evidence that specifies the strength of research methods (e.g., randomized controlled trial) or reputable source (e.g., What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse) |
| Inventory existing programs | A list of state programs categorized by at least two levels of evidence that includes data on funding, performance, design, or location | A list of state programs that consistently reports data on funding, performance, design, or location |
| Compare program costs and benefits | A report on the costs and monetized benefits of multiple related programs | A report on the costs and nonmonetized outcomes of multiple related programs |
Reporting Outcomes, Targeting Funding, and Requiring Action
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.
Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.
Source: Pew analysis of statutes, documents, and interviews.
| Evidence-based policymaking actions | To attain advanced status, a state must have: | To attain minimum status, a state must have: |
|---|---|---|
| Report outcomes in the budget | Inclusion of research on the effectiveness of specific program(s) in official budget materials* | Inclusion of key outcomes† in official budget materials |
| Target funds to evidence-based programs | An official document prioritizes at least 50 percent of program funds to evidence-based programs | An official document prioritizes funding to at least one evidence-based program and/or demonstrates that at least 10 percent of programming is evidence-based‡ |
| Require action through state law | State laws require at least two advanced actions or five minimum actions noted above in a single policy area | State laws require at least one advanced action or two minimum actions noted above in a single policy area |
* Research must include a citation or specify rigorous methods used (e.g., replication, control group, cost-benefit analysis).
† Key outcomes vary by policy area: (1) behavioral health: hospital re-admissions, relapse, suicide rates, reported substance use; (2) child welfare: permanency, maltreatment, out-of-home placement; (3) criminal and juvenile justice: recidivism, employment, and out-of-home placement (juvenile only).
‡ Document (grants, provider/contract guidelines, memorandums of understanding, agency directives, budget items, or other formal funding requirements) must prioritize one or more evidence-based programs or require recipient to defend evidence behind program selection; or the state can demonstrate that at least 10 percent of program funds, clients, programs, staff, or practices are going to evidence-based programs.
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