Note: The Review Process for the Drake (2024) Commentary and the Palusci (2024) Response

Abstract

In 2023 (vol. 28, issue 4), Child Maltreatment (CM) published two commentaries about Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) issues and policy. One commentary was from CM's editorial team, Palusci et al. (2023), and the other from the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC), Briggs et al. (2023). In October 2023 CM received an unsolicited commentary concerning the ideas and suggestions articulated in Palusci et al. ( 2023) and Briggs et al., (2023). Due to potential conflict of interest issues, Dr. Palusci consulted with others on the Editorial Board as well as prior Editors-in-Chief of CM and the Journal's Editor at Sage Publications, Julia Slater. This discussion took place without sharing the contents or authorship of the submitted commentary. The decision was made to have a former Editor-in Chief take on the role of action editor and I agreed to serve in this capacity. The commentary was sent out for blind review, and after revision was accepted for publication, (Drake, 2024). Both Palusci et al. (2023) andBriggs et al. (2023) were given the opportunity to respond to Drake (2024) and only Palusci (2024) decided to do so. It is hoped that the publication of Drake (2024) and Palusci (2024) will serve to further dialogue and progress on the vital and complex issues concerning DEIJ in the field of child abuse and neglect.