A Critical Assessment of Evidence-Based Policy and Practice in Social Work

J Evid Inf Soc Work. 2016 Jul-Aug;13(4):425-31. doi: 10.1080/23761407.2015.1086717. Epub 2016 Apr 15.

Abstract

In this article the authors consider how effective social work has been in terms of evidence-based policies and practice. They consider the role that "evidence" plays in policy making both in the wider context and, in particular, in relation to social work. The authors argue that there are numerous voices in the policy-making process and evidence only plays a minor role in terms of policy development and practice in social work.

Keywords: Social work; evidence-based policy; evidence-based practice.

MeSH terms

  • Child Protective Services / organization & administration
  • Evidence-Based Practice / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Policy Making*
  • Policy*
  • Research / organization & administration
  • Social Work / organization & administration*