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…

For social work practitioners to engage fully in efforts designed to improve the quality of social services, they need to understand what is meant by quality of care, grapple with its complexity, and know how to identify and leverage the key factors most likely to influence it. This article introduces a conceptual model that articulates numerous…

Notes that, although case management is highly valued as intervention method for clients requiring long-term care, it lacks definitional consensus and conceptual clarity. Presents explicit, empirically based model of case management on basis of 15 functions and their dynamic interrelationships along sequential dimension. Describes series of…

Suggests that individualism has become intellectually untenable for the further development of practice perspectives in the profession of social work. The membership perspective as presented takes account of this and provides an alternative based on sociality. Discusses implications for social work practice. (Author/JAC)

Provides overview of case management, its history, and contemporary models. Examines challenges that case management poses for social work profession: covering up issue that health and human services delivery system is nonsystem; maintaining client-centered perspective in cost-obsessed environment; dealing with quality control; coping with…

Contends that recording has become an administrative rather than a clinical activity, retroactive rather than proactive, bringing its usefulness to clinical practice in question. Presents suggestions for improving the clinical record and for returning it to its proper place as a vital component of clinical practice. (LLL)

Discusses the importance of the interactive dimension for the training of planners and the practice of planning. Presents a framework by which social work planners can begin to use interactional skills. (JAC)

Describes the adaptation of social work practice skills to serve black urban youth gangs. Presents a model for practice which respects youths' right to self-determination and community needs. Model stages discussed include contact, rapport, setting goals, assigning roles, procuring resources, and evaluation. Model applicability is suggested. (NRB)

The theory underlying practice should take into account the cultural group to which the client belongs. The author presents criteria for a theory to support practice with blacks and other minority groups. An evolving model for clinical practice with black clients is also discussed. (Author)

Reviews the development of social work views about the person-environment interface as an evolutionary process. Charges that Fischer's criticism of theory and of pressing for rank empiricism and an emphasis on technique as a basis for practice is a sure way to social work's demise as a knowledge-based profession. (JAC)

Discusses the medical metaphor that was for many years the basis of casework. Suggests that the medical model has had a detrimental influence on the profession of social work, and offers alternative models. (Author)

Redefines the advocacy role in social work and demonstrates how a social influence typology can clarify contradictions in the social psychology literature. The typology helps the social worker match the manner in which advocacy is attempted to specific details of the situation. (Author/JAC)

The issue of short-term versus long-term treatment has been the focus of much controversy. After examining the arguments on both sides, the author concludes that certain short-term treatment strategies can be used effectively in situations usually seen as requiring long-term treatment. (Author)

Suggests that current outmoded and inadequate conceptions of the therapeutic process are a major obstacle to the advancement of clinical social work practice. Presents an integrative ecosystem model that expresses the distinctive social work concern with person, situation, and helping relationship, in their reciprocal psychodynamic and…

Reviews elements of the respondent, operant, and modeling theories and various principles of the exchange theory that can be combined to facilitate changes in client behavior. Proposes the behavioral exchange model as a framework to help social workers conceptualize clinical phenomena and thus gain power to influence them. (Author/JAC)