Call for Papers: Purposeful Engagement in Human Services

The Journal of Human Services invites manuscript submissions for a special issue centered on the 2026 NOHS annual theme, Purposeful Engagement: Empowering People, Systems, and Communities. This issue will explore how human services professionals intentionally engage individuals, families, organizations, and communities in ways that promote dignity, equity, and sustainable systems change.

We welcome empirical research, conceptual papers, practice-informed scholarship, and interdisciplinary perspectives that examine purposeful engagement across micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. Topics may include community-based collaboration, culturally responsive engagement strategies, advocacy and systems reform, ethical engagement in complex environments, empowerment-oriented leadership, and innovations in education and professional identity.

Submissions should reflect the core values of human services, including respect for autonomy, social justice, and strengths-based practice. We especially encourage manuscripts that bridge research and applied practice, offering actionable insights for educators, practitioners, and policymakers.

Through this issue, JHS seeks to highlight scholarship that not only examines engagement—but models it.

For more information on submission requirements and to submit your paper for review, visit the Journal’s website.