Evidence-Based Clearinghouses in Social Work

Objectives: The purpose of this article is to describe several evidence-based clearinghouses focused on social work and related intervention outcomes, placing them in the context of how such clearinghouses can contribute to research dissemination to foster effective, evidence-based practice. Method: The study employed an analysis of data provided in clearinghouse Web sites and internal documentation. Results: The clearinghouses are Web-based portals where quality controlled scientific evidence of what works, what is promising, or what is possibly harmful in professional practice and policy interventions is made available to professionals, decision makers, and the general public in accessible and transparent language and format. Conclusions: Evidence-based clearinghouses in social work are promising vehicles of bringing high-quality evidence to professionals, decision makers, and other end users.