Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work: A Contemporary Perspective

This paper aims to provide a contemporary overview of evidence-based practice (EBP) in social work. As EBP is frequently misunderstood, we will define what EBP is as well as what it is not. In addition, we discuss some of the current challenges that social workers and the profession continue to face in integrating EBP into professional practice. Specifically, we identify concerns that practitioners have raised and include challenges related to social work education and agency concerns. We will conclude the paper with recommendations on how social workers can integrate EBP across practice settings within the profession, as well as recommendations for social work education and research.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

1. Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, MA, USA James W. Drisko
2. National Catholic School of Social Service, Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA Melissa D. Grady

1. James W. Drisko