CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW
Scope & Guideline
Transforming research into impactful practices.
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Child Welfare and Protection:
Research in this area explores various aspects of child welfare systems, including the effectiveness of interventions, the experiences of children in care, and the impact of policies on child protection. - Mental Health and Well-Being:
This focus includes studies on the mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents, the effectiveness of mental health interventions, and the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and psychological outcomes. - Educational Outcomes and Support:
Papers often examine the educational trajectories of children, particularly those in foster care or with special needs, and how support systems can enhance their learning and development. - Family Dynamics and Parenting:
The journal investigates the role of family structures, parenting styles, and socio-economic factors in influencing child development and well-being. - Social Justice and Equity:
Research addressing disparities in child welfare services, including those based on race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, is a key area of focus, aiming to advocate for equitable treatment of all children. - Innovative Interventions and Programs:
The journal publishes studies on new and existing programs aimed at improving outcomes for children and youth, evaluating their effectiveness and providing recommendations for practice.
Trending and Emerging
- Impact of COVID-19 on Children and Families:
A significant trend is the exploration of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health, educational outcomes, and family dynamics, indicating an urgent need for research on resilience and recovery strategies. - Digital Well-Being and Cyberbullying:
Research focusing on the implications of digital technology use, including cyberbullying and internet addiction, is increasingly prominent, reflecting growing concerns about youth engagement with technology. - Trauma-Informed Care Approaches:
There is an emerging emphasis on trauma-informed care in various settings, highlighting the importance of understanding the impacts of adverse childhood experiences and implementing supportive practices. - Youth Participation and Empowerment:
Research is increasingly focusing on the involvement of youth in decision-making processes regarding their care and services, promoting empowerment and agency among young people. - Cultural and Contextual Factors in Child Welfare:
There is a growing interest in understanding how cultural and contextual factors influence child welfare practices and outcomes, particularly in diverse populations.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Child Development Theories:
There seems to be a decline in the emphasis on traditional developmental theories, with a shift towards more contemporary approaches that consider the social and environmental contexts affecting child development. - Generalized Interventions:
Research focusing on broad, generalized interventions without tailored approaches for specific populations is less prevalent, indicating a move towards more context-specific and individualized strategies. - Physical Health Interventions for Children:
Research on physical health interventions, such as nutrition and exercise programs, appears to be less emphasized in favor of addressing mental health and socio-emotional well-being.
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