Interested in a Job in Forensic Social Work?
The intersection of social work and law is called forensic social work. If you are interested in becoming a forensic social worker, you can position yourself to enter the field by earning a Master of Social Work. If you are a social worker who already holds an MSW, you can transition into the forensic field by applying the practice principals you have developed in other settings. Legal cases and investigations sometimes require specialized knowledge to ensure a just and productive outcome, and social workers are uniquely positioned to provide that knowledge.
What is Forensic Social Work?
Forensic social work is the application of social work practice principles in the legal system. This work occurs both inside and outside of the courtroom. Practitioners in this field may provide their expertise in the form of consultation, education, training, research, policy development, and mental health treatment. Forensic social workers provide services before clients enter the legal system and can continue to provide services after they leave it.
Forensic social work applies to many legal situations. The following are six of the most common responsibilities of forensic social workers:
- Testify as an expert witness.
- Recommend rehabilitation or conflict resolution.
- Investigate cases of abuse.
- Provide education and support regarding the outcomes of legal decisions.
- Mediate between individuals and groups.
- Provide evaluations of individuals to the courts or authorities.
Curricular Concentrations and Specializations
The following courses of study can help prepare MSW students to enter the forensic social work field.
- Child and Family. Forensic social workers are often required to assist in cases related to child custody, separation, divorce, nonsupport, and other family-related legal issues. A specialized course of study in child and family social work helps students gain a better understanding of the individual and institutional-level complexities of family-related cases.
- Trauma and Interpersonal Violence. This course of study deepens students’ knowledge in how to assist clients in navigating the criminal justice system, prisons, and hospitals. Students learn about working with diverse populations including juveniles, adults, families, institutions, and communities, and with both victims and offenders.
- Mental Health and Addictions. Individuals with mental health and substance abuse challenges often need assistance navigating the legal and rehabilitation system, including courtrooms, rehabilitation centers, clinics, hospitals, community support centers, and prisons. Forensic social workers with knowledge in mental health and addictions are critical in helping authorities and members of the public accurately interpret the legal needs of their clients, who often suffer from little-understood challenges.
Requirements to Become a Forensic Social Worker
Forensic social workers may begin their professional careers in diverse areas of social work, including working with families or clients experiencing trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges. Social workers’ knowledge in these areas makes them valuable to both clients and the legal system, as they can facilitate and optimize the interaction between the two.
The American College of Forensic Examiners Institute offers a certification, which is not required to conduct forensic social work, but can help validate your dedication to the field and connect you with more work opportunities. The cores of the certification are a Master of Social Work and relevant professional experience.
Forensic social work is a growing field in need of more talented people. Take the first step toward a career in forensic social work today by finding a course of study that suits you at SocialWork@Simmons.