Why Researchers Choose Child Abuse & Neglect for High-Impact Publications
Child Abuse & Neglect stands as a cornerstone in the field of child care and youth programs, offering a premier platform for scholars to disseminate groundbreaking research on child maltreatment. Established in 1977 by Elsevier, this journal has evolved into an essential resource for professionals addressing the complex issues of abuse, neglect, and protective interventions. With a focus on multidisciplinary approaches, it bridges psychology, social work, public health, and legal perspectives to advance evidence-based practices that safeguard vulnerable populations.
The journal's rigorous peer-review process ensures that only high-quality, innovative studies see publication, contributing to its esteemed reputation. Researchers are drawn to Child Abuse & Neglect for its ability to reach global audiences through Elsevier's vast network, including indexing in major databases like Scopus and Web of Science. Its impact factor of 3.8 (2022 Clarivate) reflects the influence of its articles, which often inform policy and clinical guidelines worldwide.
Publishing in Child Abuse & Neglect not only elevates an author's academic profile but also amplifies the real-world impact of their work. Studies here have shaped national strategies for child protection, highlighting the journal's role in driving societal change. For those in child care and youth programs, submitting to this outlet means joining a legacy of transformative scholarship.
Whether exploring etiological factors of abuse or evaluating intervention efficacy, the journal welcomes empirical, theoretical, and review articles that push boundaries. Its hybrid open access model allows authors to choose visibility options that suit their needs, balancing accessibility with traditional subscription benefits.
To maximize your research's reach, consider how Child Abuse & Neglect aligns with your goals. Explore related opportunities in academia by checking higher education jobs in child protection.
Overview & History
Child Abuse & Neglect was founded in 1977 amid growing awareness of child maltreatment as a public health crisis. Published by Elsevier, it emerged from the need for a dedicated forum to consolidate fragmented research on abuse and neglect. Over the decades, it has chronicled shifts in understanding, from early psychoanalytic views to contemporary neurodevelopmental and ecological models.
The journal's evolution mirrors advancements in child care and youth programs, incorporating interdisciplinary insights that address cultural, socioeconomic, and systemic factors. Today, it remains a vital hub for over 1,000 annual submissions, fostering dialogue among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Child Abuse & Neglect encompasses a broad spectrum of topics related to child maltreatment, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect. It emphasizes prevention, intervention, and policy implications within child care and youth programs.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Psychology | Studies on trauma effects and mental health outcomes in abused children. |
| Social Work | Interventions and family support systems for at-risk youth. |
| Public Health | Epidemiology of abuse and community-based prevention strategies. |
| Law and Policy | Legal frameworks and child protection policies. |
| Pediatrics | Medical aspects of detection and treatment of maltreatment. |
Contributions must demonstrate relevance to child care practices and youth development, prioritizing rigorous methodology.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 3.8 | Clarivate 2022 |
| CiteScore | 8.2 | Scopus 2022 |
| h-Index | 142 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
| Time to First Decision | 4-6 weeks | Elsevier |
These metrics underscore the journal's selectivity and influence in child care research.
Indexing and Abstracting
Child Abuse & Neglect is indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring wide dissemination. Key inclusions are MEDLINE/PubMed, Social Sciences Citation Index, Scopus, and PsycINFO. This visibility enhances citation potential and accessibility for researchers in child care and youth programs. For more on academic resources, visit academic calendar for key dates.
- PubMed: Full coverage of biomedical articles.
- Scopus: Comprehensive abstracting for social sciences.
- Web of Science: Core collection for impact tracking.
- DOAJ: Not listed (hybrid model).
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, Child Abuse & Neglect offers both subscription-based and open access options. Authors can publish traditionally or opt for gold open access with an Article Processing Charge (APC) of approximately $3,500 USD, covering peer review and dissemination. Elsevier's green open access policy allows self-archiving after embargo. No fees for non-OA submissions. This flexibility supports diverse funding scenarios in child care research.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled via Elsevier's Editorial Manager system. Manuscripts should follow APA style, with a maximum of 8,000 words. Key guidelines include ethical statements on human subjects and conflict disclosures. Initial screening checks for scope fit, followed by double-blind peer review. For tips, explore PhD programs in child psychology. Revisions are common, with final decisions within 3-6 months.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises experts from leading institutions. Editor-in-Chief David Finkelhor, from the University of New Hampshire, brings decades of experience in child victimization research. Other members include specialists in epidemiology and social policy from Europe and North America, ensuring global perspectives on child care and youth programs.
- David Finkelhor: Focus on youth exposure to violence.
- International associates: Expertise in cross-cultural abuse studies.
Why Publish in Child Abuse & Neglect?
Publishing here offers unparalleled exposure in child care and youth programs. With a dedicated readership of over 50,000, articles influence practice and policy. The journal's prestige aids career advancement; many authors secure grants post-publication. For faculty evaluation, see Rate My Professor. Its commitment to ethical publishing upholds integrity in sensitive research.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Maltreatment | 3.2 | SAGE | Empirical studies on maltreatment. |
| Child Abuse Review | 2.5 | Wiley | Reviews and policy analysis. |
| Journal of Child Sexual Abuse | 2.1 | Taylor & Francis | Specific to sexual abuse. |
| Children and Youth Services Review | 2.3 | Elsevier | Broad youth services. |
Child Abuse & Neglect excels in multidisciplinary scope and higher metrics compared to peers.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your work with the journal's emphasis on innovative, actionable insights. Use clear, concise language and robust statistics. Engage with recent issues for trends. Collaborate internationally for broader appeal. Track progress via the portal, and consider social work faculty positions for networking. Persistence pays off in this competitive field.