Evidence-based practice (EBP) has emerged as an alternative to traditional social work practice and has ignited a new round in the decades-old debate about the relationship between knowledge and practice in the field. This article identifies several limitations inherent in the EBP perspective and argues that it would be unfortunate if EBP were to…

This article presents research on what social workers actually do. Results indicate that about 51 percent of the reported behavior is direct service or clinical in nature and that about 64 percent of the reported behavior requires professional training to perform. (HMV)

To meet the already pressing demands for their services, human service agencies are trying to develop new resources and redeploy existing ones. The author proposes two strategies to deal with the problem and provides numerous examples of how these strategies have been applied successfully. (Author)

Previous reviews of social work research on the outcome of casework and group work services have concluded that these direct practice methods are ineffective. This "study of studies" analyzes the body of research again, but from the standpoint of practice and the practitioner, and discusses the implications. (Author)

A professional social worker is employed for family counseling three mornings a week in a pediatrician's office. Results indicate that this team approach has been valuable in dealing with the many pediatric problems. (Author)

Is private practice a superior service delivery mechanism? The author contends that, in affording the client his choice of a helper, private practice embodies the basic values of social work and stimulates workers to become more responsible and knowledgeable.

There is no doubt that private practitioners make an important contribution to the profession of social work. It is questionable, however, whether private practice is a superior delivery system that should replace the agency-based service tradition of the profession. (Author)

Determined the extent to which social workers participate in self-help groups and examined their role in planning, developing, and supporting the groups continued existence. Results indicated that social workers perform important functions in supporting the growth and continued existence of self-help groups. (RC)