Forensic social work is based on specialized knowledge drawn from established principles and their application, familiarity with the law, careful evaluation, and objective criteria associated with treatment consequences. What the social worker offers must be of utility and understood in language to which the court can relate. Without such training, social workers called onto provide forensic services may find themselves at a disadvantage.
Purposes of the forensic social work practitioner
Providing consultation, education, or training to:
• Criminal justice and juvenile justice,
• Law enforcement agency and police personnel,
• Attorneys and law students,
• Members of the public
Diagnosis, treatment, and recommendations:
• Diagnosing, treating, or making recommendations about mental status, children’s interests, incapacities, or inability to testify
• Serving as an expert witness
• Screening, evaluating, or treating law enforcement and other criminal justice personnel
Other functions:
• Campaigning for Crime Free Society
• Social awareness program
• Policy and program development
• Mediation, advocacy, and arbitration
• Teaching, training, and supervising
• Behavioral Science Research and Analysis