Methodology and Practice of Evidence-­Based Approach to Childhood in Russia

Abstract

The article provides a brief overview of the history of the development of an evidence-­based approach in the social sphere abroad and in Russia. It considers the stages of development of the 'Standard of Evidence for Social Practices in the Sphere of Childhood' – a document describing the methodology of evidence-­based substantiation and scientific verification of social practices in the field of childhood and education. It describes the results of testing the model of interdepartmental interaction of the structures responsible for the implementation of the plan of the main activities of the Decade of Childhood program in 2021–2023, including key categories of network participants involved in the selection, verification and replication of social practices. The experience of creating an expert infrastructure for the implementation of an evidence-­based approach at the federal level is highlighted – the Incubator of Evidence-­Based Practices in the Sphere of Childhood, which provides methodological support and scientific verification of social practices. Conclusions are made about the significance of the Standard in substantiating practices at different stages of their life cycle, as well as about the possibilities of applying an evidence-­based approach in the activities of social sector specialists, children’s organizations and investment structures.