Journal Description

International Social Work is the official journal of the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) and the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW).

International Social Work is a scholarly refereed journal designed to extend knowledge and promote international exchange in the fields of social work, social welfare, and community development. Its major focus is on the interaction between processes of globalisation and the development of social welfare at national level, as well as social work and community development locally. It aims at examining the meaning of international social work in practice and theory, and exploring how those concerned with social work and community development can engage with international issues. The journal also wants to encourage publication of comparative studies and cross-national research. International Social Work provides information on current international developments in education and training relevant to social work, social welfare and community development.

In addition to full-length articles, the journal features shorter "brief notes" contributions, as well as news and views from the owner associations. Abstracts of articles are translated into French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Arabic.

Additionally, we have recently introduced a section aimed specifically at practitioners. it is called Voices from Practice, and consists of short pieces of about 2000 words, highlighting practice issues, dilemmas, innovations, and shared insights that might have resonance for practitioners in all parts of the world.

Periodically, special issues of International Social Work focus on specific topics or regions. In the past these have included special issues on Globalisation, Older People, Child Rights in Africa, and Religion and Spirituality.

The International Social Work Journal Prize (Frank Turner Prize) is awarded annually on a retrospective basis to the author(s) of the article judged to have made the most significant contribution to advancing the aims of the journal. Winning articles are free to download here

This journal is a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).