About This Journal

Focus and Scope

The International Journal of School Social Work (IJSSW) is a peer‑reviewed, open-access scholarly journal dedicated to advancing knowledge, research, and practice in the field of school social work worldwide. The journal publishes bi-annually and accepts electronic manuscript submissions in English.

IJSSW provides an international forum for scholars, practitioners, and students to exchange knowledge that supports equity, well-being, and educational success for children and youth in school settings. Submissions are welcomed from diverse geographic, cultural, and professional contexts.

Types of Manuscripts

IJSSW considers original and previously unpublished manuscripts, including but not limited to:

  • Empirical research studies (qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods)
  • Systematic and integrative literature reviews
  • International and country-specific analyses of school social work policy, practice, and education
  • Practice-focused articles and practice highlights
  • Research briefs
  • Book reviews relevant to school social work
  • Student-authored manuscripts (undergraduate and graduate)

Review and Editorial Process

IJSSW uses a double-blind peer review process. All manuscripts are initially screened by the editorial team for relevance, scope, and adherence to submission guidelines. Eligible manuscripts are then reviewed by at least two reviewers with subject-matter expertise.

The typical review period is approximately three months; however, timelines may vary based on reviewer availability and editorial needs. Editorial decisions include acceptance, request for revision, or rejection.

The editorial team reserves the right to reject manuscripts at any stage of the review process if they do not meet the journal’s academic, ethical, or professional standards.

Publication Goals

The journal seeks to publish manuscripts that:

  • Directly relate to school social work theory, research, policy, or practice
  • Allied professionals and researchers with a focus on school mental health, schoolwide prevent and intervention, and other school-based interventions
  • Represent diverse international and cross-cultural perspectives
  • Contribute new knowledge or innovative approaches to the profession
  • Demonstrate rigorous scholarship and methodological integrity
  • Are clearly written, well organized, and logically structured
  • Include appropriate citations and supporting documentation
  • Adhere to the most current American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines

Ethics and Research Involving Human Subjects

Manuscripts reporting research involving human participants must include documentation of approval or exemption from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or an equivalent ethics or human rights review body. Submissions lacking appropriate ethical approval will not be considered for review.

Language and Accessibility

All accepted manuscripts are published in English. To support international readership and accessibility, the journal website provides access to free translation tools. Authors are encouraged to write clearly and inclusively for a global audience.