How to Contribute to or Contact The Therapeutic Care Journal

The Therapeutic Care Journal (TCJ) invites readers to respond to its articles, and contributions can shape future content. According to the site's May/June 2023 update, readers are asked to send comments, ideas, observations, or thoughts about present and past articles — or ideas for new content — to Sarah at the email address given on the site. The journal states that responses, comments, and questions "could feature in upcoming articles," so contacting the editorial team is also a route to publication.

What the Journal Is Looking For

The TCJ describes itself as written by and for those working with children and young people internationally. Its stated mission is to share knowledge about all aspects of care for children and young people, and it publishes articles and information from people who live and work with children — capturing the "lived experience" of the work.

The site's own framing of what it welcomes:

• Comments on present and past articles
• Ideas, observations, or thoughts about existing content
• Ideas for new content for the TCJ
• Responses and questions that could feature in upcoming articles

The journal also says it aims to be "a space where people can learn, share and reflect on the impact of their work, on themselves and others, as well as developing practice and sharing ideas and opinions." That description is the best guide to the kind of contribution that fits: reflective, practice-based writing rather than news or promotional material.

How to Make Contact

The site's update directs all of the above to Sarah at the email address published on the site. Because the address is given in the page text rather than as a standalone contact page, the practical steps are:

1. Open the TCJ home page and read the "Important Update from The Therapeutic Care Journal – May/June 2023" notice.
2. Note the email address for Sarah given in that notice.
3. Write with a clear subject line indicating whether you are commenting on an article, proposing new content, or asking a question.
4. If you are proposing an article, briefly describe the topic and how it connects to therapeutic child care, social pedagogy, or trauma-informed practice.

The journal does not publish separate submission guidelines on the material available, so a short introductory message describing your idea is the reasonable first step rather than sending a full draft unannounced.

What to Expect

The site is explicit that it is being developed. The Mulberry Bush is working on the TCJ and the site, with a new and improved version planned as "a valuable resource for anyone working with those made vulnerable by childhood trauma." The update asks readers to "bear with us" during this period. In practice, that means response times and editorial processes may be in transition, and the site's structure may change.

The journal also continues to publish regular contributions while this work goes on. Dr Keith White, described as a regular contributor, provides insights from his long experience at Mill Grove. Two articles cited in the update illustrate the range of subject matter:

Other articles listed on the site include "To what extent does a nurturing environment support the academic engagement of traumatised children?" by Laura Dennis, "What Should He Call You?" by Dr Keith J. White, and pieces on belongings and belonging and on remote learning. These give a sense of the tone and subject range the journal publishes.

Who This Is For

The invitation to contribute is aimed at the journal's readership: people working with children and young people, including those in therapeutic child care, social pedagogy, and trauma-informed practice. If your work involves supporting children made vulnerable by childhood trauma, your observations are within the journal's stated scope. The journal's international framing means contributors are not limited to one country.

If You Want to Read Before You Write

The site lists current and recent articles on its home page, and the update names specific pieces. Reading a few of these first is the most reliable way to judge whether your idea fits, and it gives you something concrete to reference in your message to Sarah. The journal's own description — informing, stimulating, and educating those working in child care — is the standard against which a proposed contribution is likely to be assessed.

Subscription is handled separately through the site's "Subscribe Now" link, which is distinct from contacting the editorial team about content.