In solutions journalism, a solution is a replicable systematic model that has shown evidence-based potential for alleviating a social issue. The solution shows “how” a problem can be addressed and is set up in a way that others can do the same thing if they choose to for their own community. Solutions are not perfect and often have limitations, so it is important to honestly present a solution’s data and explain it to readers. Clearly indicate what the data shows or does not show. Solutions often have flaws or need improvement — they are not magic cure-alls and shouldn’t be presented that way. An example of a potential solution in solutions journalism is a university increasing the number of online courses available for students to increase access to education.

In solutions journalism, evidence is what backs up a posed solution for a social issue and indicates it is working/will likely work. You want to be very clear with your readers about what evidence indicates. Don’t gloss over its shortcomings, but highlight them. You don’t want readers to think you’re personally advocating for a solution or doing PR for a company. Seek out evidence gathered by independent sources. Evidence given to you by organizations about themselves may not be presented in the most unbiased and accurate way. An example of evidence in solutions journalism is recidivism rates after former convicts participated in workshops at a new community center.

An evidence-based solution to an addiction-related issue is women-exclusive rehab centers. Some studies indicate that women better respond to treatment in gender-specific rehab environments and have lower rates of relapse. This could be because women feel safer in the rehab environment to discuss the personal issues impacting their addictions. The number of women-specific treatment centers has risen with these findings.