ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the organizational context of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in social work, including the structure, culture, and climate of an organization; attitudes toward innovation in general and EBP in particular; support from leadership and practice champions; resource allocation; training and supervision; and size and structure of social networks. Using this examination of organizational context as a backdrop, the chapter then elaborates on issues of evidence dissemination, translation, implementation, and sustainability components without which EBP would be an empty promise. A model of particular relevance to social work is the Availability, Responsiveness and Continuity (ARC) model developed by Charles Glisson. ARC is a community and organization oriented model that emphasizes the role of the social context in implementation of evidence-based interventions. The chapter concludes with an examination of strategies for preparing organizations to adopt a culture of EBP.
