TRANSLATING RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE

The impact of research on social work policy and practice is often gra dual and sometimes negligible. This article reports on. the outcomes f rom a small piece of research into assessment for community care servi ces. The focus of the article is on policy guidance and training initi atives in particular those which emphasise the triangle of relationshi ps between policy, research and practice. It is argued that research w hich appears Immediately relevant to national or agency debates is lik ely to be drawn into such discussions and can inform or confirm decisi ons. The observation is that where research provokes some anxiety abou t policy or practice the agency may decide to take on board the findin gs as a protective mechanism. Lastly the article explores whether prac titioners' reactions to research can influence managers' views about t he relevance of certain findings and so encourage an agency response. Through a series of specific examples a picture emerges of the dynamic s of research, practice and policy.