Abstract Evidence-based practice (EBP) continues to be a widely debated and tentatively accepted movement in social work. Although there is a great deal of discussion of evi- dence-based practice within the professional literature, mainstream social work seems to be generally unaltered by this movement. This paper explores the history and evolution of social work knowledge development and the relationship between social work knowledge and practice in the context of the evidence-based practice movement. Evidence-based practice can be a useful framework to guide social work toward meeting the challenges of the profession, more effectively helping our clients and being better positioned to confront social problems. Adopting evidence-based practice will not be easy; there are a number of challenges, implications and choices that need to be considered. Critically considering evidence-based practice in the field of social work will put us in a better position to evaluate how we practice, and challenge us to do better. Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work Evidence-based practice (EBP) often elicits a range of reactions from social workers, including suspi- cion, criticism, apathy and enthusiasm. Evidence-based practice, which originated in medicine to address gaps between practice and research findings, has been widely adopted and advocated in medicine and nursing. EBP has also been more broadly adopted by human services pro- fessionals, including social workers in the United Kingdom and Australia, but remains in its infancy for social work in the United States (Gilgun, 2005; Rosen, 2003). The social work literature reflects general sup- port for embracing evidence-based practice; however, there are several authors and social workers who have expressed skepticism, rejection and caution of evidence based practice (Witkin, 1996; Witkin & Harrison, 2001; Blome & Steib, 2004; Gray & McDonald, 2006). It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the evidence- based practice movement as the President’s New Freedom Commission report, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) have incorporated evidence- based language and are requiring social workers to use best evidence to guide practice (New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, 2003; NASW, 1999; CSWE, 2004). There are also a number of entities with a certain amount of status, authority, and credibility that are promoting evidence-based practice, such as the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), Blueprints for Violence Prevention, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Department of Education and various state agencies across the U.S. Even though there is agreement in the literature and by social work authorities (e.g., NASW and CSWE) on incorporating evidence-based practice into the social work profession, there are several issues that impact the ability for this to be broadly accepted by social work practitioners, educators and researchers. These issues relate to the definition of evidence-based practice, the nature of knowledge and how knowledge is used in social work practice, and the technical aspects and barriers to engaging in evidence-based practice (including the role of higher education, technology, dissemination, etc.). What is Evidence-Based Practice? Although there are a number of reasons for social work’s ambivalence toward evidence-based prac- tice, adding to the misunderstanding and confusion is the multitude of definitions of EBP found in the literature, a few are noted below: Evidence-based practice…is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values (Crossing the Quality Chasm, 2001, as cited in Campaign for Mental Health Reform, 2003, p. 1) EBP involves using the ‘best available’ evi- dence…about specific types of practices with particular problems. (Witkin & Harrison, 2001, p. 293) Evidence-based practice is the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of the current best evidence in making decisions about the care of clients. (Gibbs & Gambrill, 2002) EBPSW [Evidence-based practice in social work] is defined as the planned use of empir- ically supported assessment and intervention methods combined with the judicious use of monitoring and evaluation strategies for the purpose of improving the psychosocial well being of clients. (O’Hare, 2005) PRAXIS Fall 2007 • Volume 7 5 To EBP or Not To EBP?: Social Work’s Dilemma with Evidence Based Practice By Brandy R. Maynard