CD-51466a
From Prevention Through To Therapy: Supporting Evidence-Informed Practice Across The Spectrum Of Child Maltreatment.
Sidebotham, Peter.
Journal Article
Copyright
Published: May-June 2019
Child Abuse Review
Vol. 28, No. 3
, p. 177-180
DOI: 10.1002/car.2568
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In a helpful review article in the British Journal of Social Work some years ago, Nevo and Slonim‐Nevo (2011) emphasised the importance of practitioners using findings from research ‘in an integrative manner, taking into consideration clinical experience and judgement, clients' preferences and values, and context of intervention’ (p. 1193). Drawing on Sackett's original definition of evidence‐based medicine (Sackett et al., 1996), we could thus define evidence‐informed practice as the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence, integrated with relevant expertise and an understanding of the context and clients' views, to guide decision‐making in relation to individual cases. Such an approach takes us away from a very rigid and narrow concept of evidence‐based practice which does not sit well with the complexity of the world of child protection (Stevens and Hassett, 2007). ; ; The papers in this issue of Child Abuse Review explore some of the nuances of evidence‐informed practice across the spectrum of child maltreatment and safeguarding encompassing: issues of preventive work, recognition and intervention, through to therapy and rehabilitation; different forms of maltreatment, from infancy to adolescence, including neglect, physical abuse and complex issues such as trafficking; and the challenges for professionals within a range of agencies. ; (Authors Abstract).
Keywords:
child abuse; evidence based practice; child protective services; therapeutic intervention; prevention programs