Social Work and Evidence-Based (EBP) Practice Paper

Social Work practitioners can no longer rely on their desire to help as being the major criteria for effectiveness of their interventions. It is imperative that we be able to demonstrate that our interventions are effective for a particular problem and person. One of the ways to evaluate the effectiveness of a given theory or model of intervention is to evaluate its use with various types of clients, e.g. children, adolescents, adults, the aged, et. al. in order to alleviate specific problems. Take one of the theories being studied throughout the program, and find some of the research that studies the effectiveness of using this theory with a particular problem or child welfare population.

Topic: Is Multisystematic therapy (theory) effective in treating victims of child maltreatment (particular problem or child welfare population)?

This assignment does not require a complete review of all the studies that have been conducted on a specific theory (or one of its concepts), but rather asks that you find several studies, summarize these, and then make some evaluative comments based on your reading of the literature. (a study’s methodology and findings are important aspects to consider). You may find that there is little data to support a claim of effectiveness or not. That is fine, as long as you can support your conclusion . You will need to search not just the social work literature but the psychology, counseling, and psychiatry literatures as well. I suggest using the databases of psyc info, med line, and social work research and abstracts, for a start.

Since EBP requires integration of research evidence, clinical expertise and a client’s values and circumstances, please comment on these aspects of EBP and how they fit or do not fit with the empirical studies you have reviewed. A minimum of 6 peer-reviewed references are required (outside of course material).

For this paper: (1) APA style must be used correctly, (2) All required relevant course readings and materials must be used, (3) At least 6 scholarly sources used (beyond course materials).The paper must be clear, well organized, and should be 8-10 pages not including the cover page, references and any other attachments. This paper will need to be typed, double-spaced, font should be Times New Roman size 12, and inclusive of traditional (normal) one-inch margins.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:

1. McCoy, M. & Keen, S. (2014). Child Abuse and Neglect (2nd ed.). Boston: Pearson, Inc. ISBN: 978-1-84872-529-4 also available in e-book format ISBN: 978-0-203-12069-9

2. Talley, P.F. (2014) Handbook for the treatment of abused and neglected children: Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-7890-2677-4

SELECTED SOCIAL WORK JOURNALS

Administration in Social Work Affilia: Journal of Women and Social Work

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry Child Abuse and Neglect

Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal Child and Family Social Work

Child Welfare Clinical Social Work Journal

Clinical Supervisor Families in Society (Social Casework)

Family Process Health in Social Work

Journal of Community Practice Journal of Family Social Work

Journal of Gay and Lesbian Soc. Services Journal of Gerontological Social Work

Journal of Social Service Research Journal of S. W. Practice in the Addictions

Journal of Social Service Review Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare