The legal and ethical context for knowing and using the latest child welfare research.
Many child welfare researchers, policymakers, and practitioners are embracing evidence-based practice as a means of promoting more effective services. This article explores the implications of this movement, including the potential for malpractice liability, limiting the discretion of child welfare professionals, complications with informed consent, and other legal and ethical risks.
Florida Atlantic University, School of Social Work, Boca Raton, Florida, USA. abarsky@fau.edu
Allan E
AE
Barsky
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012308:Risk Management; D012947:Social Work / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States