Citation

Waddell C, Lomas J, Offord D, Giacomini M. Can. J. Commun. Ment. Health 2001; 20(2): 59-76.

Affiliation

University of British Columbia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Wifrid Laurier University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12051030

Abstract

Conduct disorder (severe and persistent antisocial behaviour in children and youth) is an important community mental health problem in Canada and has been the focus of considerable recent public policy debate. Good research evidence is available on effective (and ineffective) interventions for conduct disorder. Paradoxically, however, relatively little of the research evidence is incorporated into policy decision-making. There is a policy-research gap. An example (Hamilton, Ontario) is used to illustrate this gap. The gap is then explained using a framework for health policy analysis that incorporates values, institutional structures, and information. Values and institutional structures greatly outweigh research evidence in influencing current Canadian policy-making for the problem of conduct disorder. Possibilities for improving the situation are suggested.

Language: en