Evidence-based practice, what it might mean, how it can be achieved, whether it should be aspired to – is the subject of much debate and argument in social work. Covering areas of social work practice that are well established and those in which evidence is just beginning to become available, the authors address issues such as: what is to count as evidence, and who decides this?; if relevant evidence is agreed on, how should it be used in practice?; how can the thing that made the difference be identified?; should success be measured as the result of the theory employed by the worker, or because the worker is skilled, conscientious and effective?; how predictable, controlled and orderly can social work become?. Exploring these issues within a range of contexts – from child abuse and domestic violence to looked after children and disability, the authors demonstrate why evidence-based practice is important, but also why it is important to think clearly and carefully about its implications for the social work profession and the users of social work services.
Evidence-based practice, what it might mean, how it can be achieved, whether it should be aspired to – is the subject of much debate and argument in social work. Covering areas of social work practice that are well established and those in which evidence is just beginning to become available, the authors address issues such as: what is to count as evidence, and who decides this?; if relevant evidence is agreed on, how should it be used in practice?; how can the thing that made the difference be identified?; should success be measured as the result of the theory employed by the worker, or because the worker is skilled, conscientious and effective?; how predictable, controlled and orderly can social work become?. Exploring these issues within a range of contexts – from child abuse and domestic violence to looked after children and disability, the authors demonstrate why evidence-based practice is important, but also why it is important to think clearly and carefully about its implications for the social work profession and the users of social work services.
Subject terms:
looked after children, physical disabilities, social work, social work methods, social work theories, child abuse, children, decision making, evidence-based practice, good practice;
A woman with multiple sclerosis whose husband had drinking problems had been receiving day care for years, but increased care was needed. Considers the difficulties of deciding how much weight should be given to the client's wishes when assessing an acceptable level of risk.
A woman with multiple sclerosis whose husband had drinking problems had been receiving day care for years, but increased care was needed. Considers the difficulties of deciding how much weight should be given to the client's wishes when assessing an acceptable level of risk.
Subject terms:
multiple sclerosis, parents, physical disabilities, risk, social work, social care provision, day services, decision making, families;
Finds out how a social worker in a children with disabilities team in Hackney tackles the difficult issue of whether the needs of a child with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and learning difficulties could be met at home from a vulnerable mother who lacks parenting skills, but nonetheless provides love.
Finds out how a social worker in a children with disabilities team in Hackney tackles the difficult issue of whether the needs of a child with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and learning difficulties could be met at home from a vulnerable mother who lacks parenting skills, but nonetheless provides love.
Subject terms:
learning disabilities, mothers, needs, parental role, parents, parents with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, risk, social work, social workers, child development, children, decision making, families;