The program models Rothman and Thomas' (1994) six stages of "Design and Development" (D&D): problem analysis and project planning, information gathering and synthesis, design, early development and pilot testing, evaluation and advanced development, and dissemination.
EASE-IN began as a research and development demonstration project in the year 1992-93.
The UCLA Training Center began student field work units which were sites for development and testing of innovative service delivery in child welfare services.
The initial stages of design and development included a countywide needs assessment to develop the program, and continues ongoing evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the program.