The 5th issue of NSWR for 2022 heralds a change in the length and content of future journal issues. At a quick glance, you will notice the increased number of pages and articles! This change reflects the Editorial Team’s priority to maintain a `healthy´ backlog of articles for print publication. It is also the result of Taylor & Francis’s publishing policy to move away from a fixed page-budget to a minimum-page number for each issues. As editors, we are mindful that our subscription readership values the printed format and suggest that they can now look forward to more content in each issue. Authors can also expect to see their articles in printed format, quicker.
The December issue offers an excellent example as to the unique identity and scope of Nordic Social Work. The fields covered include child welfare and protection, intellectual disability, mental health, urban spaces, ethnic minorities, youth work and governance. Practice issues such as trauma, debates on what constitutes good care, different concepts of client centeredness, student’s perceptions of internationalization, attitudes towards migrants and the nature of social work structures, are explored in depth.
The journal’s visibility and social impact remains high on the Editorial Team’s priorities. In an inaugural meeting with representatives from NORDIC FORSA, Taylor & Frances (publisher) and the NSWR Editorial Team, it was agreed to hold annual joint meetings and promote scientific communication generally. Information on upcoming calls for special issues, and reviewers and board members, will be shared across the FORSA countries and NSWR webpages. NSWR is collaborating with NORDIC FORSA/NASSW, to invite presenters from the conference (Bodø, 14th-16 June 2023) to submit papers for publication in a special conference issue. Further details on the conference special issue call will be advertised on our website.
The conference title, Social Work in Changing Times- Challenges and New Opportunities, denotes the challenges of global issues, such as climate change, migration, the post-pandemic situation, war in Europe and increasing poverty and inequality, currently facing Nordic Social Work. Yet change inevitably offers spaces for new forms of resistance, mobilization and solidarity, as well as openings for transnational and transformative solutions. More details on the NORDIC FORSA/NASSW Conference (FORSA2023) are to be found in this issue. FORSA2023 offers an opportuntunity to rethink the relationship between Nordic Social Work and existing welfare services, voluntary sector and across national borders.
So please enjoy the final issue for the year as part of your Christmas reading and start to make plans for the NORDIC FORSA/NASSW Conference in the New Year!