Advancing research-supported practice: The child abuse library online (CALiO)

Over the past twenty years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of child abuse-related journals and the global quantity of published child abuse research. While this increased knowledge of evidence-based practice... [ view full abstract ]

Over the past twenty years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of child abuse-related journals and the global quantity of published child abuse research. While this increased knowledge of evidence-based practice has been available to help inform the child abuse field, there remains a gap between the publication of these finding and the work of front-line child abuse professionals. To address this gap, the National Children’s Advocacy Center developed the Child Abuse Library Online (CALiO) which has become one of the largest professional resource collections in the world of published knowledge, educational materials and educational resources related to child maltreatment. CALiO is primarily a research collection including online search services; table of contents services; more than 50 professional annotated bibliographies on specific issues; international resources collection of articles, government documents, reports, websites, and more from around the world; problems and topics of interest pertaining to child abuse and neglect, and develops resource packages for decision making and research. Additionally, CALiO provides online access to more than 1,400 peer-reviewed professional journals to Children’s Advocacy Centers in an effort to bridge the gap between research and practice. This paper will provide an overview of the CALiO capabilities and its utility by child abuse professionals throughout the world. This innovative program may serve as a model for other countries to improve the implementation of evidence-based practice related to child abuse. The Child Abuse Library Online has been strongly supported by the United States Department of Justice.

Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will understand the purpose and location of the Child Abuse Library Online (CALiO)
2. Participants will review the resources available through CALiO and how accessing these resources can improve their practice with children
3. Participants will contribute appropriate content to expand the resources, especially international resources, within the CALiO