A R T I C L E RESEARCHING COMMUNITY- BASED SUPPORT NETWORKS: WHAT POLICYMAKERS SHOULD KNOW Ann Dadich Center for Industry and Innovation Studies (CInIS), University of Western Sydney Self-help support groups (SHSGs) have a valuable role in civic society. However, it is difficult to measure their value through sole use of the positivist approaches that interest policymakers. This is because SHSGs are consumer-driven and voluntary. Thus, they cannot be regulated by research agendas or prescribed like treatment. Although social policy has an important role in the use and availability of SHSGs, the author argues that social policy research in this field needs to demonstrate paradigmatic plurality, finding balance between positivism and partici- patory practices. This involves engaging with group participants to identify indicators that measure group activities and impacts; appropriate research methods; and suitable timeframes. Only through paradigmatic plurality will social policy fulfill its role in enhancing community well- being.  C 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. INTRODUCTION Evidence-based practice is pivotal in the development of mental health policy (Australian Psychological Society [APS], 2007; Blewett, 2007; Center for Substance Abuse Treatment [CSAT], 2007; Iowa Consortium for Substance Abuse Research and Evaluation, 2003; Olsson, 2007; Tanenbaum, 2003; Tucker & Roth, 2006). It informs treatment options for the individual, the allocation of limited resources within services, as well as government policy and funding priorities. Evidence-based practice thus permeates the micro, meso and macro levels of the mental health care hierarchy (Haines, Kuruvilla, & Borchert, 2004). Correspondence to: Ann Dadich, Center for Industry and Innovation Studies (CInIS), University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW Australia, 1797. E-mail: a.dadich@uws.edu.au JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Vol. 37, No. 2, 194–210 (2009) Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). & 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. DOI: 10.1002/jcop.20288