Evidence-Based vs. Emerging Practices in Social Services: Finding the Right Approach
Posted: April 2025 – Transforming Organizations, Empowering Teams, and Driving Lasting Change – Spring offers a natural moment for renewal and reflection—especially for mission-driven organizations navigating increasingly complex social challenges. As budgets are reviewed, strategic plans refreshed, and new programming envisioned, many leaders ask: Should we invest in tried-and-true evidence-based practices, or explore promising, emerging ones? The answer isn’t either/or. In fact, the most impactful organizations recognize that evidence-based and emerging practices serve distinct and complementary roles in advancing equity, quality, and innovation in social services. What Are Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs)? Evidence-based practices are interventions or models that have undergone rigorousevaluation-typically through randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies-anddemonstrated effectiveness across specific populations and outcomes. In fields like behavioralhealth, child welfare, and homelessness prevention, the use of EBPs is often incentivized by fundersand regulators. Key advantages of EBPs: However, many EBPs were designed and tested within narrow parameters and may not adequatelyaddress cultural responsiveness, community context, or structural inequities. What Are Emerging Practices? Emerging practices are promising approaches developed in the field-often in direct response tounmet needs, community feedback, or systemic gaps. While they may not yet have extensiveevidence behind them, these practices are often rooted in lived experience, community expertise,and innovation. Benefits of emerging practices: While emerging practices may not (yet) meet the standards for evidence-based classification, they can advance equity and drive innovation, especially when paired with structured evaluation and learning agendas. When—and How—To Use Each Rather than positioning EBPs and emerging practices in competition, organizations should ask: The ideal approach is intentional and dynamic: leveraging what is known, honoring what isemerging, and always centering person- and community-driven solutions. What We Offer At JWH, LCSW PLLC, we help nonprofits and government agencies: Whether you’re expanding programming, responding to policy shifts, or innovating service delivery, we partner with you to choose—and evolve—the right approach for your organization. Spring Forward with Purpose This spring, ask yourself: Are we using practices that reflect the needs of our community today—or those validated in a different time, for a different audience? Let’s find the right path forward—together. Schedule a consultation to explore how evidence-based and emerging practices can drive your next stage of impact. References Chapman, M.V., et al. (2021). Balancing Evidence-Based Practices with Cultural Relevance: Strategies for Effective Implementation. Journal of Social Service Research, 47(2), 145–160. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2022). Evidence-Based Practice in Child Welfare. U.S.Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov Fixsen, D.L., et al. (2005). Implementation Research: A Synthesis of the Literature. National Implementation Research Network. Greenhalgh, T., et al. (2004). Diffusion of Innovations in Service Organizations: Systematic Review and Recommendations. The Milbank Quarterly, 82(4), 581–629. National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2021). NASW Standards for Social Work Practice with Clients from Historically Marginalized Populations. National Implementation Research Network (NIRN). (n.d.). Active Implementation Hub: Resources and Frameworks. Retrieved from https://nirn.fpg.unc.edu Niec, L.N., et al. (2020). Challenges in Disseminating Evidence-Based Practices in Underserved Communities. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 23(2), 177–194. Roberts, S.F., et al. (2022). Reimagining Evidence: Equity-Informed Evaluation and Community-Engaged Practice. Evaluation and Program Planning, 94, 102097.