Social Work-Maatskaplike Werk
Scope & Guideline
Connecting theory and practice for impactful social work.
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Social Development and Policy Analysis:
The journal consistently explores the intersection of social work and social development policies, particularly in the context of South Africa. This includes analyzing the impact of governmental and non-governmental policies on vulnerable populations. - Child and Youth Care:
A significant focus is placed on the care, protection, and development of children and youth, particularly those in foster care or institutional settings. The journal addresses the challenges faced by these groups and the social work interventions designed to support them. - Community Engagement and Empowerment:
Research emphasizes the importance of community-driven approaches to social work, advocating for the involvement of local populations in the development and implementation of social services and programs. - Mental Health and Resilience:
The journal addresses mental health issues within various populations, including children, women, and the elderly, and explores resilience-building strategies in the face of social adversity. - Cultural Competence in Social Work:
There is a focus on understanding and integrating cultural perspectives into social work practice, especially in relation to the diverse population of South Africa and its neighboring regions. - Interdisciplinary Approaches:
The journal promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in social work, highlighting the importance of integrating knowledge and practices from various fields to enhance service delivery.
Trending and Emerging
- Response to COVID-19 and Its Aftermath:
A significant trend is the exploration of social work responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the impact on mental health, service delivery, and community resilience. This theme is relevant as it addresses the immediate and long-term effects of the pandemic on vulnerable populations. - Intersectionality in Social Issues:
There is an increasing focus on intersectional analyses that consider how various social identities (e.g., gender, race, class) intersect to affect individuals' experiences and access to services. This trend highlights the complexity of social issues and the need for tailored interventions. - Youth Empowerment and Participation:
Emerging research emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in social work practices and decision-making processes, recognizing their agency and the unique challenges they face. - Mental Health Interventions:
A growing body of literature is emerging around innovative mental health interventions, particularly those that incorporate community-based approaches and address the psychosocial needs of diverse populations. - Resilience and Recovery Frameworks:
There is a trend towards developing frameworks that focus on resilience and recovery, particularly in the context of trauma-informed care and support for marginalized groups.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Child Welfare Models:
There has been a noticeable decline in research focused solely on traditional child welfare models without incorporating contemporary social challenges or community-based approaches. - Generalized Substance Abuse Interventions:
Research specifically addressing substance abuse interventions without a contextual or localized approach appears to be waning, reflecting a need for more nuanced and targeted studies. - Rural Social Work Challenges:
While rural social work remains important, there has been less emphasis on this area in recent publications, possibly due to a shift toward urban issues and challenges faced by marginalized communities in urban settings. - Economic Development without Social Context:
Studies focusing solely on economic development initiatives without considering their social implications or the interplay with social work practices seem to be decreasing. - Historical Analysis of Social Work Practices:
There is less focus on historical analyses of social work practices, which were once prevalent, suggesting a move towards more contemporary and practical applications of social work.
Similar Journals
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL
Transforming lives through interdisciplinary mental health scholarship.Community Mental Health Journal is a leading publication in the field of mental health, managed by Springer and based in the United States. Since its inception in 1965, this journal has provided a critical platform for advancements in mental health research and community practices, with a convergence set to continue until 2024. It boasts an impressive impact factor and ranks in the first quartile (Q1) for Health (Social Science) as well as Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, underscoring its significance in interdisciplinary scholarship. The journal caters to a diverse audience, including researchers, practitioners, and students, fostering a deeper understanding of community mental health issues. With a commitment to highlighting innovative research and practical applications, the Community Mental Health Journal serves as an invaluable resource for those dedicated to improving mental health outcomes in communities globally.
Nordic Social Work Research
Navigating Contemporary Social Challenges in the NordicsNordic 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.
HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK
Transforming challenges into solutions in health and social work.HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK is a prestigious academic journal published by Oxford University Press Inc., focusing on the intersections of health and social work within the social sciences. Established in 1976, this journal strives to enhance understanding and practice in these critical areas, offering insights into the complexities of health-related issues through a social lens. With a 2023 impact factor that positions it in the Q3 quartile of health and social work categories, it stands as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and students aiming to address contemporary challenges in health care and social services. Although not an open-access journal, it ensures high-quality peer-reviewed content, making significant contributions to advancing knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. As we move towards its convergence year of 2024, HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK continues to provide a vital platform for innovative research and discourse in the global health community.
Child & Family Social Work
Transforming child welfare through scholarly excellence.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.
JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY
Connecting Research to Real-World Community SolutionsJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, published by Wiley, is a leading academic journal that serves as a vital resource for researchers, practitioners, and students in the fields of community psychology, social psychology, and social work. Established in 1973, the journal emphasizes empirical studies, theoretical advancements, and practical applications relevant to community dynamics and the psychosocial factors influencing communities. With an impressive Q1 ranking in Social Work and a Q2 ranking in Social Psychology as of 2023, the journal continues to be a cornerstone for scholarly discourse, engaging hundreds of contributors and readers worldwide. Although it is not an open-access journal, its impactful research regularly contributes to informed community interventions and policies. The journal is indexed under ISSN 0090-4392 and E-ISSN 1520-6629 and is recognized for its high quality through various metrics, including its Scopus rank of #109 in Psychology - Social Psychology. Researchers and professionals alike will find invaluable insights and cutting-edge findings within the pages of this esteemed publication.
Advances in Dual Diagnosis
Exploring the Intersection of Mental Health and Substance UseAdvances in Dual Diagnosis, published by EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTD, serves as a vital resource for professionals and researchers in the fields of psychiatry and mental health. With an ISSN of 1757-0972 and E-ISSN 2042-8324, this journal has been at the forefront of dual diagnosis research since its inception in 2008, aiming to bridge the gap in knowledge and practice regarding the co-occurrence of mental health disorders and substance use issues. Rated in the Q4 category for Psychiatry and Mental Health, it ranks 31st out of 45 in Nursing and Psychiatric Mental Health and 408th out of 567 in Medicine and Psychiatry, providing a unique platform for showcasing emerging research, innovative treatment strategies, and case studies that enhance understanding of complex patient needs. While the journal is not openly accessible, its contributions are crucial for driving forward the academic discourse and practical applications surrounding dual diagnosis. As we look to the future through 2024 and beyond, the Advances in Dual Diagnosis journal continues to strive for excellence in disseminating knowledge that benefits practitioners and scholars alike.
Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal
Championing the Voices of Children and AdolescentsChild and Adolescent Social Work Journal is a premier scholarly publication focused on the critical field of social work, particularly addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by children and adolescents. Published by Springer in the United States, this journal boasts an impressive impact factor reflected in its Q1 ranking in Social Sciences (miscellaneous) and Q2 in Social Work as of 2023, evidencing its influential contributions to the discipline. The journal is indexed with notable recognition, including a ranking of #99 out of 604 in Social Sciences (miscellaneous) and #57 out of 275 in General Social Sciences, showcasing its robust academic standing. With a publication history dating from 1984 to 2024, it serves as a crucial platform for researchers, professionals, and students to exchange insights, develop practices, and inform policy-making that supports the welfare of youth. The journal’s commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering an understanding of complex social issues ensures its continued relevance in fostering the growth of effective social work practices.
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY
Empowering communities through innovative health and social care research.HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, published by WILEY-HINDAWI, is a prominent journal in the fields of health policy, public health, social sciences, and social work, reflecting its broad academic appeal and comprehensive scope. With an impressive categorization in Q1 for Sociology and Political Science and Q2 rankings across various health-related fields, the journal serves as a vital resource for researchers, practitioners, and students dedicated to advancing knowledge in health and social care domains. Since its inception in 1993, it has consistently promoted high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that tackle contemporary issues, ensuring its relevance and impact in our rapidly evolving society. While the journal is accessible through subscription, it stands out for its commitment to disseminating crucial research findings which are pivotal to establishing effective practices and policies in health and social care. As it approaches its convergence into 2024, the journal continues to be a key player in supporting interdisciplinary dialogue and fostering research that influences real-world change.
Journal of Family Trauma Child Custody & Child Development
Illuminating the Path from Trauma to Thriving ChildhoodsWelcome to the Journal of Family Trauma Child Custody & Child Development, a leading academic platform dedicated to advancing research and knowledge in the crucial intersections of family dynamics, child custody, and developmental psychology. Published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, this esteemed journal seeks to address the pressing issues surrounding family trauma and child development from both a psychological and legal perspective. With its ISSN 2690-4586 and E-ISSN 2690-4594, this peer-reviewed journal has shown significant growth since its inception in 2020, achieving impressive rankings within its categories: Q2 in Law, demonstrating a robust foundation in legal perspectives affecting child custody, as well as Q3 in Health (Social Science) and Q4 in Developmental and Educational Psychology, underscoring its diverse impact. As researchers, professionals, and students explore the complex relationships between family structure, trauma, and child welfare, this journal remains a vital resource for insightful analysis and practical applications, contributing significantly to the evolving conversation in these critical fields. Note that while it provides traditional access options, the journal also encourages a broader outreach to diverse stakeholders interested in enhancing child development and family law practices.
Social Work in Public Health
Exploring the synergies between social work and public health.Social Work in Public Health is a leading journal that bridges the gap between social work and public health, published by ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. With an ISSN of 1937-1918 and an E-ISSN of 1937-190X, this journal has been a vital resource since its inception in 2007, and is set to continue its influence until 2024. Recognized for its significant contributions to the fields of Health Policy, Health (Social Science), Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, and Social Work, it consistently achieves a Q2 category ranking in several of these critical areas, reflecting its robust impact and relevance in contemporary research. The journal operates without open access restrictions, thereby offering a wide array of valuable research insights to professionals, scholars, and students interested in the interdisciplinary approaches necessary to address health inequities and enhance community well-being. As it continues to gain traction—ranking among the top journals in its fields by Scopus with notable percentiles—it remains an essential platform for disseminating innovative research that shapes policy and practice in social work and public health.