JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SERVICE RESEARCH
Scope & Guideline
Advancing knowledge in social service dynamics.
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Social Work Interventions and Practices:
The journal emphasizes empirical studies on various social work interventions, exploring their effectiveness across different populations and contexts. - Impact of Social Policies:
Research that evaluates the implications of social policies on vulnerable populations is a core focus, aiming to inform policy-making and improve service delivery. - Community Engagement and Social Change:
The journal supports research that examines community-based approaches to social issues, highlighting the role of community engagement in facilitating social change. - Cultural Competence and Diversity:
There is a consistent focus on the importance of cultural competence in social work practice, addressing how diverse social contexts influence service delivery. - Mental Health and Well-Being:
The journal includes studies on mental health interventions and their impact on overall well-being, particularly among marginalized groups. - Resilience and Coping Mechanisms:
Research exploring resilience factors and coping strategies among individuals facing social challenges is a significant contribution to the field.
Trending and Emerging
- Impact of COVID-19 on Social Services:
A significant trend is the exploration of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on social services, including adaptations made by practitioners and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. - Digital Technology in Social Work:
Research focusing on the integration of digital technology in social work practice is on the rise, highlighting how technology can enhance service delivery and client engagement. - Trauma-Informed Care:
There is an increasing emphasis on trauma-informed approaches within social work, reflecting a broader understanding of the impact of trauma on individuals and communities. - Youth and Mental Health:
Emerging themes around youth mental health, particularly in relation to social support systems and interventions, indicate a growing concern for the well-being of younger populations. - Cultural and Social Diversity:
Research that addresses the experiences of diverse populations, including immigrants and marginalized groups, is increasingly gaining prominence, emphasizing the need for culturally responsive practices.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Social Work Models:
There seems to be a declining emphasis on traditional social work models, with a shift towards more innovative, evidence-based practices that address contemporary social issues. - Generalized Community Studies:
Research that broadly addresses community dynamics without specific focus on vulnerable populations or targeted interventions appears to be less prevalent. - Historical Perspectives on Social Work:
The exploration of historical contexts and their impact on current practices is receiving less attention, potentially overshadowed by immediate contemporary issues. - Quantitative Methods in Isolation:
While quantitative studies remain important, there is a noticeable decline in studies that employ purely quantitative methods without integrating qualitative insights. - Focus on Single Issues:
Research addressing single, isolated social issues without considering intersectionality or broader social determinants is becoming less common.
Similar Journals
Alternativas. Cuadernos de Trabajo Social
Connecting Scholars to Address Today's Social IssuesAlternativas. Cuadernos de Trabajo Social, published by Universidad de Alicante, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Social Sciences, Sociology, and Health, with a focus on emerging social welfare issues. This Open Access journal has been committed to disseminating vital research since 2010, allowing researchers, professionals, and students from around the globe to access invaluable insights into contemporary social challenges. Based in Spain, it has carved out its niche within the academic landscape, achieving Q4 rankings in Health (Social Science) and Q3 in both Social Sciences (Miscellaneous) and Sociology and Political Science for the year 2023. Although the journal's H-index remains undisclosed, its Scopus rankings indicate a growing presence within the academic community, particularly notable is its rank within the 31st percentile for Sociology and Political Science. As the journal continues to converge its efforts towards innovative social solutions from 2019 to 2024, it remains an essential resource for advancing knowledge and fostering informed debate within the critical sectors it addresses.
Social Welfare Interdisciplinary Approach
Navigating Complexities in Social Welfare ResearchSocial Welfare Interdisciplinary Approach is a critical journal published by VILNIUS UNIV PRESS, focusing on the multifaceted aspects of social welfare through an interdisciplinary lens. Catering to a diverse audience of researchers, professionals, and students, this journal explores the intersections of social work, public policy, sociology, and related fields, fostering innovative discourse on pressing social issues. With an ISSN of 2029-7424 and an E-ISSN of 2424-3876, the journal aims to promote open access to high-quality research, thus enhancing availability and visibility of knowledge in the domain of social welfare. The journal's commitment to excellence is reflected in its aim to contribute significantly to the understanding of social welfare practices and policies in a rapidly evolving global landscape, encouraging submissions that bridge theory and practice. Based in Lithuania, it serves as a vital resource for advancing social welfare research on both local and international stages.
Child & Family Social Work
Innovating practices for vulnerable children and families.Child & Family Social Work is a prominent journal published by WILEY that focuses on the intersection of social work and child welfare. With a commitment to advancing the field through rigorous research and evidence-based practice, it serves as a critical platform for disseminating findings and fostering discussions among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. The journal holds a respectable impact factor and has achieved significant recognition, ranked in the Q2 category for both Health (social science) and Social Work, as well as Q1 in Sociology and Political Science in 2023. Its broad scope encompasses the complexities of social work with children and families across various contexts, ensuring it remains an essential resource for those dedicated to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. Although the journal offers traditional access options, it retains its high standards of quality and relevance, making it a vital asset for anyone invested in the fields of social science and child welfare.
Cuadernos de Trabajo Social
Exploring New Frontiers in Social Welfare and Policy.Cuadernos de Trabajo Social, published by UNIV COMPLUTENSE MADRID, SERVICIO PUBLICACIONES, has been a cornerstone of the field of social work since its inception, maintaining an open-access format since 1987. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to social issues, this journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, practitioners, and students to disseminate innovative ideas and critical analyses that address contemporary challenges in social work. The journal's commitment to maintaining high academic standards assures its readers of the relevance and rigor of its publications, making it an essential resource for those seeking to advance their understanding of social welfare, policy, and practice. With its ISSN 0214-0314 and E-ISSN 1988-8295, Cuadernos de Trabajo Social is dedicated to fostering academic dialogue and enhancing the impact of social work scholarship globally.
Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk
Advancing social change through research and insight.Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk is a prominent open access journal dedicated to advancing the field of social work through scholarly research and practical insights. Published by the University of Stellenbosch's Department of Social Work, this journal has been contributing to the academic community since its inception in 1973, with an uninterrupted publication record that includes valuable contributions each year through 2024. With an ISSN of 0037-8054 and an E-ISSN of 2312-7198, the journal provides a platform for researchers, practitioners, and students to publish influential studies in social work, sociology, and political science. Currently ranked in Q4 for Social Work and Q3 for Sociology and Political Science, as well as holding a Scopus rank of #971 out of 1466, Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk is pivotal for those aiming to understand and impact social policies and practices in South Africa and beyond. The journal is accessible for free online, promoting wider dissemination of knowledge and fostering collaboration within the global community of social work professionals.
Clinical Social Work and Health Intervention
Transforming healthcare with interdisciplinary insights.Clinical Social Work and Health Intervention is a prominent journal dedicated to advancing knowledge at the intersection of clinical social work and health interventions. Published by the International Scientific Group Applied Preventive Medicine (I-GAP EV), this journal serves as a critical resource for researchers, practitioners, and students alike, aiming to explore innovative practices that improve health outcomes through social work methodologies. With a focus on evidence-based research and interdisciplinary approaches, it caters to a growing field that recognizes the importance of social determinants in health. The journal is indexed with an ISSN of 2222-386X and E-ISSN of 2076-9741, ensuring a broad dissemination of its findings. By engaging with real-world challenges in healthcare and promoting collaborative solutions, Clinical Social Work and Health Intervention plays a vital role in bridging theories and practices, ultimately contributing to improved societal health and welfare.
Nordic Social Work Research
Advancing Nordic Perspectives in Social Work ResearchNordic Social Work Research, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a pivotal academic journal dedicated to the field of social work, particularly within the Nordic context. With an ISSN of 2156-857X and an E-ISSN of 2156-8588, the journal aims to disseminate high-quality research that contributes to the understanding and development of social work practice, policy, and education in the region. As of 2023, it holds a commendable Q2 rank in Social Sciences (miscellaneous) according to category quartiles, positioning it among the top-tier journals in this domain. Its Scopus ranking places it at #182 out of 604 in the social sciences category, reflecting its growing impact within the academic community with a notable percentile of 69th. Nordic Social Work Research seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogues among researchers, practitioners, and students, encouraging innovative approaches to contemporary social challenges. The journal operates under a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring the dissemination of influential studies that inform both theoretical and practical advancements in social work. With a convergence period from 2011 to 2024, this journal remains at the forefront of social work research, inviting contributions that explore diverse aspects of social welfare in Nordic countries.
SOCIAL SERVICE REVIEW
Cultivating knowledge for the future of social welfare.SOCIAL SERVICE REVIEW is a distinguished journal published by University of Chicago Press, catering to the fields of Social Work and Sociology and Political Science. With an ISSN of 0037-7961 and an E-ISSN of 1537-5404, this journal has been a vital part of academic discourse since its inception, maintaining a publication history from 1973 through 2024. Recognized for its rigorous scholarship, it currently holds a Q2 ranking in Sociology and Political Science and a Q3 ranking in Social Work categories for 2023, reflecting its influence and relevance in these fields. Although it is not an open-access journal, the SOCIAL SERVICE REVIEW provides essential insights and thought-provoking research aimed at professionals, researchers, and students dedicated to advancing knowledge in social service practices and policies. Its commitment to addressing contemporary social issues and fostering academic collaboration makes it a cornerstone resource for those seeking to contribute to and understand the dynamics of social welfare systems.
Asian Social Work and Policy Review
Driving knowledge forward in the realm of Asian social sciences.Asian Social Work and Policy Review is a leading academic journal dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of social work, sociology, and public policy. Published by WILEY, this reputable journal has established a significant presence in the scholarly community since its inception in 2008. With a focus on Asian contexts, it thoughtfully addresses contemporary issues and diverse perspectives, making it an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and students alike. The journal boasts an impressive ranking, being placed in the Q2 category for Social Sciences (miscellaneous) and Sociology and Political Science, and Q3 for Social Work, as per the 2023 categorization. With a commitment to impactful research, the Asian Social Work and Policy Review is influential in shaping policy discussions and enhancing social work practices across the region. Although not currently open access, it offers readers valuable insights and rigorous academic contributions that are pivotal for understanding and addressing social challenges in Asia. For those striving for excellence in the field, this journal serves as a vital platform for disseminating meaningful research and driving social change.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK
Exploring the Intersections of Social Policy and PracticeThe British Journal of Social Work, published by Oxford University Press, is a premier academic journal dedicated to the field of social work and its interdisciplinary connections. With an impressive history dating back to 1971, this journal has established itself as a leading forum for innovative research and critical discourse in social sciences, where it holds a distinguished ranking in the Q1 category for Social Sciences (miscellaneous) and Q2 for Health (social science) and Social Work as of 2023. Readers can expect to engage with high-impact articles that span a variety of topics including but not limited to social policy, mental health, and community practice. Although it currently does not offer open access, the British Journal of Social Work remains a key resource for professionals, researchers, and students aiming to deepen their understanding and contribute to the evolving landscape of social work practice and theory. The journal continues to foster a vibrant academic community, supporting ongoing dialogue and collaboration in the pursuit of social justice and effective welfare practices.