The Process of Article Evaluation and Review
The scientific and specialized peer review process and decision-making stages in the *Child and Adolescent* quarterly journal are mechanisms for quality control. In this process, experts in the relevant research field review the articles scientifically, without knowing the names and identities of the authors, and confidentially assess the works. The goal is to ensure the high quality of the article. However, the final acceptance or rejection of the article is not solely the responsibility of the reviewers. The final decision regarding the publication of the article is made by the editorial board, based on the reviewers’ feedback and the article’s assessment, with the editor-in-chief at the head of this decision-making process.
After the article is uploaded by the author, it undergoes a preliminary review. In this initial evaluation, some articles are rejected due to subject matter inconsistencies or failure to meet the necessary criteria. Only articles that meet the following conditions are sent for specialized peer review:
1. It align with the objectives and vision of the quarterly journal.
2. It adopt a cultural-communication approach, and this approach is clearly articulated in both the abstract and the main body of the article.
3. The article is academically and content-wise suitable for review.
4. It utilizes up-to-date and credible global sources.
5. It presents innovation.
6. It adheres to the journal’s formatting and writing guidelines.
Articles that pass the preliminary review and are deemed suitable for comprehensive review are sent to two anonymous reviewers, who assess the article without knowing the authors' names. Neither the reviewers nor the authors know each other’s identities. Based on the results of the review and in accordance with the editorial board’s decision, some articles may be sent to up to four reviewers. In this case, the review process may take more than two months.
Subsequently, the editor-in-chief, along with other members of the editorial board, reviews the article based on the specialized reports from the reviewers, their comments, and any revisions made by the author.
Final Decision
1. The article is accepted without any changes and is published as is (Acceptance).