Ready or not: uses of the stages of change model in child welfare.

This article reviews the popular stages of change model, its potential applications in child welfare, and relevant research. Empirical evidence indicates that behavioral change does not occur in a series of stages. The article considers the validity of the stage model, its underlying assumptions, and other conceptualizations of readiness for change. Although the stage model may have some heuristic value, the empirical evidence suggests that its practical applications are severely limited.