Evidence-Based Policymaking: Findings From States

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.

Comparte

Overall, Most States Show Modest Levels of Evidence-Based Policymaking

Pew analysis shows which lead and trail, and how all 50 compare

ALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWYVTNHMARICTNJDEMDDC
Alabama
Modest

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
Modest

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
Modest

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
Modest

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
Modest

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
Established

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
Leading

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
Modest

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.

District of Columbia
Modest

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
Established

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
Modest

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
Modest

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
Modest

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
Modest

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
Modest

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
Modest

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
Established

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
Modest

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
Modest

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
Modest

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
Trailing

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
Modest

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
Trailing

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
Leading

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
Established

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
Established

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
Trailing

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
Modest

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
Modest

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
Trailing

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
Modest

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
Established

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
Established

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
Modest

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
Trailing

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
Established

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
Modest

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
Leading

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
Established

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
Modest

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
Modest

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
Trailing

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
Established

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
Modest

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
Leading

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
Established

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
Modest

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
Leading

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
Trailing

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
Modest

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
Modest

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.

Trailing
Modest
Established
Leading

Comparte

Defining Evidence, Inventorying Programs, and Comparing Costs and Benefits

Define

ALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWYVTNHMARICTNJDEMDDC
Alabama
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Alaska
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Arizona
None
Arkansas
None
California
Advanced

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

Colorado
Advanced

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.

Connecticut
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.

Delaware
None
District of Columbia
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

Florida
Advanced

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.

Georgia
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.

Hawaii
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

Idaho
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Illinois
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Indiana
None
Iowa
Advanced

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

Kansas
Advanced

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

Kentucky
None
Louisiana
None
Maine
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.

Maryland
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

Massachusetts
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Michigan
None
Minnesota
Advanced

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: None.

Mississippi
Advanced

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: None.

Missouri
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

Montana
None
Nebraska
Advanced

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.

Nevada
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

New Hampshire
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

New Jersey
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

New Mexico
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

New York
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

North Carolina
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

North Dakota
None
Ohio
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

Oklahoma
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Oregon
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Pennsylvania
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

Rhode Island
None
South Carolina
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

South Dakota
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

Tennessee
Advanced

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.

Texas
Advanced

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

Utah
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Vermont
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: None.

Virginia
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Washington
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.

West Virginia
None
Wisconsin
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Wyoming
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

None
Minimum
Advanced
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:
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
Comparte

Reporting Outcomes, Targeting Funding, and Requiring Action

Report

ALAKAZARCACOFLGAHIIDILINIAKSKYLAMEMIMNMSMOMTNENVNMNYNCNDOHOKORPASCSDTNTXUTVAWAWVWIWYVTNHMARICTNJDEMDDC
Alabama
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Alaska
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Arizona
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Arkansas
None
California
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

Colorado
None
Connecticut
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Delaware
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

District of Columbia
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Florida
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.

Georgia
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Hawaii
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Idaho
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Illinois
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Indiana
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Iowa
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Kansas
Advanced

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Kentucky
None
Louisiana
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Maine
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Maryland
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Massachusetts
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Michigan
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Minnesota
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Mississippi
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.

Missouri
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Montana
None
Nebraska
None
Nevada
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

New Hampshire
None
New Jersey
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

New Mexico
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

New York
Advanced

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: None.

North Carolina
Advanced

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.

North Dakota
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: None.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Ohio
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Oklahoma
Advanced

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: None.

Oregon
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Pennsylvania
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Rhode Island
None
South Carolina
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

South Dakota
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Tennessee
None
Texas
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Utah
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Advanced.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Advanced.

Vermont
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

Virginia
None
Washington
Minimum

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: Minimum.

West Virginia
Advanced

Behavioral health: None.
Child welfare: None.
Criminal justice: Advanced.
Juvenile justice: None.

Wisconsin
Minimum

Behavioral health: Minimum.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

Wyoming
Advanced

Behavioral health: Advanced.
Child welfare: Minimum.
Criminal justice: Minimum.
Juvenile justice: None.

None
Minimum
Advanced

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.

Report

States Engage in Evidence-Based Policymaking

A national assessment

Quick View
Report

Evidence-based policymaking is the systematic use of findings from program evaluations and outcome analyses (“evidence”) to guide government policy and funding decisions. By focusing limited resources on public services and programs that have been shown to produce positive results, governments can expand their investments in more cost-effective options, consider reducing funding for ineffective programs, and improve the outcomes of services funded by taxpayer dollars.

Press Releases & Statements

Five States Lead the Way in Pursuing Evidence-Based Policymaking

New 50-state study assesses how states use research to identify and fund programs that work

Quick View
Press Releases & Statements

Washington—Five states lead the way in using evidence-based policymaking—employing research that can help inform their budget and policy decisions—according to a new report from the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative. The report, How States Engage in Evidence-Based Policymaking: A National Assessment, categorizes each state by its level of engagement in six key actions across four policy areas: behavioral health, child welfare, criminal justice, and juvenile justice.