Information For Authors
The journal publishes both scientific and a professional practice articles about social work and every article is identified whether it falls under the category of a scientific or a professional publication. Authors are encouraged to categorize their articles upon submission with the exception of interviews and book reviews which are not categorized. The editorial staff will inform the authors if they have a different opinion. The editorial board does not differentiate scientific and professional publications by their value, but only by their genre with the fundamental difference being purpose and methodology. A scientific work tends to explain a phenomenon in the world, which is validated through theory and research recognized by science. Professional publications introduce an experience, which is validated by the methods, knowledge and practice accepted in the profession.
It is recommended that submissions focus on themes and approaches that (1) describe experience, (2) influence the practice of professionals through analysis of social work cases (e.g.: methods of social work, case study based on ethical aspects, legal norms, etc.), (3) presentation of projects involving social work, (4) presentation of social work methods (or even models) developed in a particular place, and (5) encouraging practitioners to adopt and follow a method, a model or an ethical principle. Submitted articles should provide the reader with sufficient information to be ab le to accurately evaluate the material presented. Sources of supporting information for example may be the description of the practice (e.g.: the description of cases, projects, etc.) or the introduction of data (e.g.: needs assessment).
Information provided in the professional practice articles published in Dialogue present and interpret experience from a professional perspective. For example, describing and analyzing some social work cases may give an accurate picture of the work of a colleague, and thus provide valuable information for other professional in their practice. However, information should not be adopted for all situations throughout the country because it has not been scientifically evaluated. Use of information by other professionals found in Dialogue articles might be based on other criteria for example, professional resolution, methodological letters, professional standards, the Code of Ethics and, in some cases, legal norms.
Social work combines both professional practice and a science (Global definition of social work) and many authors may refer to theoretical work and research results in their professional papers. The editorial board does not wish to provide general guidance with respect to inclusion of references and formatting of them. The Board takes the position that the article itself will determine the need for citing and crediting sources within the article. When an author uses the ideas or research of other authors, those sources should be identified and cited professionally.
Interested in submitting to this journal? We recommend that you review the About the Journal page for the journal's section policies, as well as the Author Guidelines. Authors need to register with the journal prior to submitting or, if already registered, can simply log in and begin the five-step process.