SCIE Report 10: Developing the evidence base for social work and social care practice

By Peter Marsh and Mike Fisher in collaboration with Nigel Mathers and Sheila Fish

Published November 2005

Context

Research in social care is under-managed. It has been 11 years since a government strategy for research and development was prepared, there is no register of social care research (so there is potential for people to replicate research that's already been done) and there are few systems in place to encourage social care workers to engage in research.

Additionally, much of the available research indicates what needs to be done but not how it should be done, leaving a gap in evidence-based practice. For example, research tells us that contact between foster children and their birth parents can be beneficial, but does not elaborate on how to facilitate that contact.

Perhaps most worryingly, there is no nationally agreed agenda on what areas of social care need focused and sustained research interest. A core area that could benefit from this sort of attention is the outcomes of training for social workers.

Purpose

This report is intended to influence policy about the future and funding of social care research.

Audience

It is aimed at policy makers, politicians and the research community.

Messages from the report

Conclusions

Recommendations

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Available downloads:

  • SCIE Report 10: Developing the evidence base for social work and social care practice

Related links

SCIE's resources on using knowledge in social care