Child and adolescent counseling is a diverse and multi-faceted discipline. Therefore, research that emerges from scholars in this field is equally varied. As presented in this issue, authors collectively discuss group interventions with high school girls, implications for counselors when working with adolescent populations concerned with sex trafficking and substance use, dual relationships in rural communities, preparing adolescents for the transition to adulthood, and counseling gender minority youth. We welcome practical and empirical articles from school- or community-based mental health professionals to add to the rich literature that encompasses the lived experiences of children and adolescents. In reviewing the nearly 10 years of JCAC, we noted gaps that future scholars can address, which include: research that explores the experiences and/or outcomes post-intervention of children and adolescents with diverse ethnic backgrounds, interventions geared towards specific populations of children and adolescents (i.e., adoption, cancer, obesity, deaf, and others), and more outcome-based research focused on protective factors for children and adolescents.
All manuscripts in this issue were accepted prior to the Special Issue on Outcome & Evidence-Based Research with Children & Adolescents (9.2). Future contributors to JCAC should review issue 9.2 and prepare research manuscripts with the checklist in mind. Paying specific attention to the inclusion of anti-racist components and criteria for best practices in outcome-based research. Our hope is that together we can continue to elevate the rigor and prestige of quality contributions to the field of child and adolescent counseling. We can hold each other accountable for quality, ethical manuscripts that adhere to best practices for the most vulnerable population we serve – children.