Child Welfare Journal Article Submission Form

Manuscript Submission Guidelines

Scope
Child Welfare publishes manuscripts that extend knowledge in child and family welfare or related services; on any aspect of administration, supervision, casework, group work, community organization, teaching, research, or interpretation; on interdisciplinary approaches to the field; or on social policies affecting children and families.

Manuscript Format

  • Articles should be 3,500–6,000 words, including abstract, tables, figures, and references.

  • Include an abstract of approximately 75 words at the beginning of the manuscript.

  • References must follow the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).

  • Please use people-first, non-labeling language (e.g., “children in foster care,” not “foster children”; “children who have experienced maltreatment,” not “maltreated children”).

Statement on Use of Generative AI in Child Welfare Article Submissions
Child Welfare journal follows the American Psychological Association’s guidance on use of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT in scholarly work.

As such, “AI refers to generative LLM AI tools and does not include grammar-checking software, citation software, or plagiarism detectors.

  • When a generative artificial intelligence (AI) model is used in the drafting of a manuscript for an APA publication, the use of AI must be disclosed in the manuscript and cited. For examples, see disclosure guidance.
  • AI cannot be named as an author on an APA scholarly publication.
  • The authors are responsible for the accuracy of any information in their article. Authors must verify any information and citations provided to them by an AI tool. Authors may use but must disclose AI tools for specific purposes such as editing.
  • No submitted content may be entered into generative AI tools as this violates the confidentiality of the process” (American Psychological Association, 2025).

Child Welfare submissions not adhering to these AI policies will be rejected.


Submission Process

  • Upload your manuscript using the submission form below and email a copy with your submission date to journal@cwla.org.

  • Do not resubmit a manuscript if you have already received a manuscript identification number; doing so creates duplicate records and delays processing.

  • Do not mail hard copies unless specifically requested by the editors.


Review and Publication

  • The peer review process typically takes 4–6 weeks.

  • Accepted articles are usually published within 6–8 months.

  • Authors will be notified of review results by email.

  • Please allow 8 weeks before inquiring about your manuscript status.

  • Publication does not imply endorsement of the author’s opinions; diverse perspectives are welcome. Please review our Terms and Conditions.


For all other editorial questions, contact Rachel Adams, Child Welfare Managing Editor, at radams@cwla.org.

 


Please Note: In addition to submitting via this form, please send a copy of your manuscript with a note referencing your submission date to journal@cwla.org. Thank you.