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Examining the premises supporting the empirically supported intervention approach to social work practice
Bowen McBeath1, Harold E Briggs, Eugene Aisenberg
1School of Social Work and Hatfield School of Government, Division of Public Administration, Portland State University, OR 97207-0751, USA. mcbeath@pdx.edu
Social Work
|October 28, 2010
Summary
Empirically supported interventions (ESIs) in human services show limited evidence of effectiveness, especially for ethnic minority clients. More culturally responsive and adaptable social work interventions are needed for better cost-effectiveness and performance.
Area of Science:
- Social Work
- Human Services Research
- Public Policy
Background:
- Policymakers increasingly adopt empirically supported interventions (ESIs) in human services.
- The goal is to improve cost-effectiveness and system performance.
- This approach assumes ESIs are effective, relevant, culturally appropriate, and replicable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the validity of the premises underlying the ESI approach in social work.
- To assess the suitability of ESIs for diverse client populations and community settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of available research on ESIs in human services.
- Analysis of the applicability of ESIs in agency contexts, particularly those serving ethnic minorities.
Main Results:
- Insufficient evidence supports the uniform application of ESIs across all social work practice.
- The ESI approach shows particular limitations in serving ethnic minority clients.
- Replicability and sustainability in community settings are not consistently demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- The current ESI framework lacks sufficient support for broad implementation in social work.
- Development of culturally responsive and adaptable interventions is crucial.
- Future research should focus on interventions with proven efficacy and cross-cultural applicability.
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