...Donald Forrester Purpose This paper's aim is to explore the uses and limitations of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for evaluating complex interventions, with a particular focus on sample recruitment and retention issues. Design/methodology/approach This is an invited critique...

...Sarah Stewart‐Brown Purpose The paper's purpose is to participate in a debate about the role of randomised controlled trials in evaluation of preventive interventions for children. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a response to critiques on Stewart‐Brown et al. published...

...Gary W. Ritter Purpose The article's purpose is to critique a paper (Stewart‐Brown et al., 2011) in a previous issue of the Journal of Children's Services, which challenges the utility of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive...

...Sarah Stewart‐Brown; Rebecca Anthony; Lynsey Wilson; Sarah Winstanley; Nigel Stallard; Helen Snooks; Douglas Simkiss Purpose Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been offered a privileged position in terms of the evidence base for preventive interventions for children, but practical...

..., and the reasons why this remains limited. It sets this in the broader context of evidence‐based practice and the education and training of qualifying and post‐qualifying social workers, including postgraduate training. Social work Evidence‐based practice Randomised controlled trials Postgraduate training...