Navigating Transitions into, within, and out of Residential Care

Call for Papers

Journal: Residential Treatment for Children & Youth

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group

Manuscript Deadline: 31 December 2026

About the Special Issue

Residential Treatment for Children & Youth invites submissions for a Special Issue on "Navigating Transitions into, within, and out of Residential Care."

This Special Issue aims to advance international and interdisciplinary research on the critical transitions experienced by children and young people entering, moving within, and exiting residential care. These transitions often involve instability, trauma, and relational disruption, but can also foster resilience, recovery, and positive developmental outcomes when supported through evidence-informed and trauma-responsive practices.

The issue welcomes research that explores transition processes through trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and child-centred perspectives while generating practical recommendations for policy, practice, and future research.

Topics of Interest

Submissions may address, but are not limited to:

Transitions into residential care
Entry experiences of children, youth, and families
Emergency versus planned placement pathways
Placement instability and cumulative placement moves
Organizational and systemic factors influencing placement changes
Family reunification and permanency planning
Preparation for independent living and aftercare support
Extended care models for young people
Trauma-sensitive and trauma-informed transition practices
Attachment-informed approaches in residential care
Youth participation and voice in transition decision-making
The role of professionals in supporting successful transitions

Submission Guidelines

Submit an abstract of up to 250 words via email to the Guest Editors.
Authors of selected abstracts will be invited to submit full manuscripts.
Full papers should be submitted through the journal's online submission portal.
All article types should include implications for policy, practice, and future research.

Important Dates

Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 May 2026
Notification of Abstract Decisions: 31 July 2026
Full Manuscript Submission: 31 December 2026

Special Issue Editors

Eunice Magalhães, ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal

Joana Cerdeira, Forensic Psychologist and Consultant in Out-of-Home Care & Child Protection, Portugal

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Navigating Transitions into, within, and out of Residential Care

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