The Journal publishes academic papers, case studies, empirical research and opinion. The Journal is interested in publishing papers that critically and creatively engage with ideas drawn from a range of discourses: the therapeutic community movement and other related professional practice, psychoanalysis, art, literature, poetry, music, architecture, culture, education, philosophy, religion and environmental studies. It will be of value to those who work in health services, social services, voluntary and charitable organisations, and for all professionals involved with staff teams, service users and experts by experience in therapeutic communities, therapeutic environments and supportive organisations.

General Guidelines
Original contributions that fall within the scope of the Journal are welcomed, including articles on current issues, practice, theory and research (academic papers), case studies of particular communities or organisational environments, and personal contributions arising from the experience of the author. The Editorial Board uses different criteria to assess contributions in these categories, and the following guidelines are provided. It will assist us in assessing papers if authors indicate which guidelines they have followed.

Final articles for publication should be typed in double spacing and submitted in Word format as an email attachment to Ginette Taylor, the Journal Manager (ginette.taylor@nottshc.nhs.uk). All articles are submitted for peer review by anonymised assessors drawn from the Editorial Board, the International Editorial Advisory Group, and a panel of assessors. Authors will receive acknowledgement of their submissions.

Note: For authors submitting an article where English is a second language, it is recommended that the article be proofread by a fluent interpreter prior to sending, in order that intended meanings can be checked in the translated article.

Ethical Issues
The Editorial Board aims to ensure that all articles published in the Therapeutic Communities Journal report on work that is morally acceptable. To this end, the Journal will appraise the ethical aspects of any submitted work that involves human participants and will ensure that authors obtain informed consent from any participants included in their research.

Academic Papers
These can include reports of original research, papers developing original links between theory and practice, review articles and critiques of current practice. The normal conventions of academic papers should be observed, with a brief abstract (up to 150 words), followed by a review of the relevant literature, statement of the problem, method, findings, discussion and conclusion. References should follow the APA 6th style. Academic papers should normally not exceed 5,000 words excluding references (articles over 8,000 words in length will not be considered for inclusion and will be returned to the author unread).

Case Studies from Practitioners
These describe examples of practice, innovation, action research or evaluation in the practitioner's own unit. They should include: a brief description of the setting, of the piece of work undertaken and the reasons for doing it; a clear account of the process and findings with relevant data in easy to read tables or graphics; a brief conclusion with discussion of the findings and their implications for practice within the unit and perhaps more widely. A small number of relevant references may be included, following the APA 6th style, but no literature review is needed. Case studies should normally not exceed 2,500 words.

Commentary/Response
The Journal would welcome short papers (up to 2,000 words), which address topical issues. These issues may arise from recent themes or views addressed within the papers in the Journal; from within therapeutic communities; emanate from strategic developments within the Association of Therapeutic Communities (for example the issues of accreditation of communities and training); or be generated by national and international policy initiatives that have an effect on therapeutic practice, the way in which it is thought about or conducted. We are seeking relevant commentaries, which are reflective and thoughtful, yet critical and perhaps at times controversial; and views and opinions which will stimulate debate, provoke thoughtfulness and hopefully new ideas with which to approach contemporary issues.

Letters
We would welcome short letters (up to 200 words) from readers picking up on issues raised within the Commentary/Response section that develop and debate issues further.

Personal Contributions
Readers are invited to send in personal accounts of some aspect of their work that may be of interest to others. The intention of such contributions is to share experience and problems, raise questions and encourage discussion. These may describe an event or situation involving the writer, occurring at the individual, group or organisational level. Contributions from experienced practitioners as well as novices are welcomed. The account should begin with a brief description of the setting, participants and background, followed by details of the particular event or situation and, if appropriate, the responses of the writer and others involved. No literature review, theoretical exposition or references are needed. Confidentiality should be maintained by disguising the identities of individuals or organisations, and authors may request that contributions are published without attribution. Personal contributions should normally be limited to 1,500 words. With the author's permission, comments may be sought from practitioners with relevant experience to appear alongside personal contributions.

Publishing with Emerald
The journal is published by Emerald. Here are details of their Author's Charter.