Ethics and Malpractice Statement

Journal of Social Welfare Research and Practice is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and academic integrity. This statement outlines the ethical responsibilities of all parties involved in the publication process, including authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher. The journal adheres to the principles and best practices established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Publication Ethics and Editorial Responsibility

The editorial board is responsible for ensuring that all published articles meet rigorous academic and ethical standards. Editorial decisions are based solely on the scholarly merit of the manuscript, including originality, methodological rigor, clarity, relevance to the journal’s scope, and contribution to the field of social welfare. Discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, nationality, institutional affiliation, or political belief is strictly prohibited.

2. Duties of Editors

Editors are accountable for maintaining the integrity of the academic record and ensuring a fair, transparent, and timely peer-review process. Editors must:

  • Evaluate manuscripts objectively and confidentially

  • Avoid conflicts of interest in editorial decision-making

  • Ensure that submitted manuscripts undergo appropriate peer review

  • Take responsive measures in cases of suspected misconduct, including plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, or unethical research practices

3. Duties of Reviewers

Reviewers play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of published research. Reviewers are expected to:

  • Conduct reviews objectively, constructively, and within the agreed timeframe

  • Maintain confidentiality of all manuscript information

  • Identify relevant published work that has not been cited

  • Report any suspected ethical issues, plagiarism, or conflicts of interest to the editor

4. Duties of Authors

Authors are responsible for ensuring the integrity and originality of their work. Authors must:

  • Submit original manuscripts that have not been previously published or under consideration elsewhere

  • Properly acknowledge and cite all sources used

  • Ensure accuracy in data collection, analysis, and reporting

  • Avoid plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, and redundant or salami publication

  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest

  • Ensure that research involving human participants complies with ethical standards, including informed consent and institutional ethical approval where applicable

5. Authorship and Contribution

Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made significant intellectual contributions to the study. All contributors who do not meet authorship criteria should be acknowledged appropriately. Any changes in authorship after submission require written consent from all listed authors.

6. Ethical Oversight for Research Involving Humans

Research involving human subjects must adhere to recognized ethical standards and principles, including respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Authors must confirm that:

  • Ethical approval was obtained from a relevant ethics committee, where required

  • Informed consent was obtained from participants

  • Participant confidentiality and anonymity are protected

7. Plagiarism and Originality

The journal uses plagiarism detection tools to screen submissions. Manuscripts with significant plagiarism, including self-plagiarism, will be rejected or retracted in accordance with COPE guidelines.

8. Conflicts of Interest

All authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any financial, institutional, or personal relationships that could influence their work. Conflicts of interest should be stated clearly in the manuscript.

9. Reporting Misconduct and Retractions

Allegations of research or publication misconduct will be handled seriously and investigated following COPE procedures. When misconduct is confirmed, the journal may issue corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern as appropriate.

10. Access, Archiving, and Intellectual Property

As an open-access journal, Journal of Social Welfare Research and Practice provides immediate and free access to its content. Authors retain copyright of their work and grant the journal the right of first publication under the journal’s licensing policy.

11. Complaints and Appeals

The journal provides a clear mechanism for authors to appeal editorial decisions or submit complaints regarding ethical issues. All complaints will be handled fairly, confidentially, and in a timely manner.