Social Work

ISSN: 0037-8046

Published quarterly in January, April, July, and October

Social Work, established in 1956, is a professional journal published by the NASW Press and provided to all NASW members as a membership benefit. The journal’s purpose is to improve practice and advance knowledge in social work and social welfare. The editorial board welcomes manuscripts that expand and evaluate knowledge of social problems, social work practice, and the social work profession.

The editor-in-chief generally selects manuscripts on specific topics from the pool of accepted articles to form theme issues. Occasionally, the editorial board puts forth calls for papers on issues of major importance to the field.

Topics of Interest

The editorial board particularly seeks articles on the following topics:

research on social problems
evaluation of social work practice
advancement of developmental and practice theory
culture and ethnicity
social policy, advocacy, and administration.

Articles

Manuscripts for full-length articles should not exceed 20 pages, including all references and tables. The entire review process is anonymous. At least three reviewers critique each manuscript; then the editor-in-chief makes a decision, taking those reviews into account. At this time, NASW Press does not accept electronic submissions.

Columns

Practice Updates features perspectives, innovations, reports, and updates related to social work practice. The purpose is to inform practitioners of methods to expand upon existing practice. Case vignettes are welcomed; however, the major emphases should be placed on analysis of practice and the evidence of effectiveness. Manuscripts are reviewed anonymously in the same process used for articles. The maximum length for these manuscripts is seven pages.

Commentary offers writers an opportunity to present their critical observation on current professional issues, social problems, or policy matters. Submissions are expected to build on existing literature in the topic area. The maximum length of manuscripts for this column is six pages. Manuscripts are reviewed anonymously in the same process used for articles.

Points & Viewpoints provides readers an opportunity to respond substantively to an article previously published in the journal and to challenge the premises, results, or intellectual positions in that article. The purpose is to stimulate dialogue that helps the profession evolve. The editor-in-chief reviews all manuscripts anonymously. If a manuscript is accepted, the author of the original article will be asked to respond to it. The maximum length for this column is seven pages.

The journal welcomes Letters to the Editor. Readers are encouraged to send brief comments on issues covered in the journal or other points of interest to the profession that will expand dialogue. Letters should be no longer than two pages. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of NASW or the editor-in-chief.

To prepare your manuscript in the proper format for submission, please view Writing for NASW Press: Guidelines for Authors. Submit five copies of your manuscript to

Social Work
NASW Press
750 First Street, NE, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20002-4241
phone: 202-408-8600 • fax: 202-336-8312

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