• About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Shop Merch
SWHELPER
  • Login
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Mental Health
  • LGBTQ
  • Justice
No Result
View All Result
Post Jobs
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Opinion
  • News
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Mental Health
  • LGBTQ
  • Justice
No Result
View All Result
SWHELPER
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home News Local

Forensic Social Work and Its Importance in the 21st Century

Jack S. MonellbyJack S. Monell
03/29/2014
in Local, News, Social Work
12
Forensic Social Work and Its Importance in the 21st Century

llustration: John Michael Yanson

0
SHARES
16
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

In reflecting on how my career has formulated, particularly in the fields of criminal justice, human services and social work, I often wondered where I fit in; particularly when discussing traditional social work models, practices and approaches.  I knew I always wanted to work in the criminal justice environment, not necessarily as a sworn law enforcement official, but in a capacity that addressed the needs of delinquents, adult offenders and prisoners.  This venue, during the early to mid-20th century, unfortunately wasn’t always readily available to social workers, let alone forensic social workers.

Clinical work, specifically, was geared towards counselors and psychologists in criminal justice settings.  The role of the social worker, if any, represented that of a case manager at best.  Further, when attempting to market or explain what a forensic social worker was, the responses in most instances were either of confusion or an unawareness that the practice existed.

What is Forensic Social Work

llustration: John Michael Yanson
llustration: John Michael Yanson

Ironically, social work has a long standing history of practice in the justice sector, as well as the other more noted, child welfare and social services roles.  According to the National Organization of Forensic Social Work website (www.nofsw.org),

” Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to law and legal systems. This specialty of our profession goes far beyond clinics and psychiatric hospitals for criminal defendants being evaluated and treated on issues of competency and responsibility. A broader definition includes social work practice which in any way is related to legal issues and litigation, both criminal and civil. Child custody issues, involving separation, divorce, neglect, termination of parental rights, the implications of child and spouse abuse, juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment all fall under this definition” (NOFSW website).

As one can gauge, forensic social work has long been a practice in various traditional social work capacities.  Though early in application, forensic social work was commonly associated with the legal field (Barker & Brannon, Forensic Social Work Legal Aspects of Professional Practice, 2000); it now encompasses a much broader representation in the criminal justice system and ancillary justice related services.

Forensic Social Work Today

Forensic Social Work in the 21st century continues to be a critical component of not only traditional social work and criminal justice systems, but it has expanded to cover more globally related human rights and social justice concerns.  As various academic institutions are now incorporating forensic social work courses into their respective curriculums, BSW and MSW students are becoming more aware and interested in pursuing this specialization.  Dr. Yolanda M. Byrd, LCSW, Director of Field Education at Winston-Salem State University stated “she has seen a continued interest from her BSW students in forensic social work; particularly in obtaining field education placements.”

As the latter part of the 20th century dealt with establishing the practice of Forensic Social Work, the 21st century will reflect more of a presence in various venues encompassing micro and macro approaches to the field, not only within the United States but more globally.  In speaking with the National Organization of Forensic Social Work President, Dr. Tina Maschi, LCSW, Associate Professor of Social Work, Fordham University, she noted  “in the 21st century the complex social issues, such as mass incarceration, necessitate that we use an integrated approach that incorporates clinical, policy, and community organizational skills to build the capacities of individuals, families, and communities to address them.”

Forensic Social Work in the Future

Looking ahead, you will see more forensic social workers represented in all aspects of society representing not only clients in criminal justice practice settings, but as administrators, social activists, academicians, and social justice change agents internationally.  As social work curriculums, both undergraduate and graduate, continue to broaden their course offerings and specializations to include forensic social work, you will see a continued increase in diplomas, degrees and certifications being obtained by future social work students.  Here in North Carolina, the need to have forensic social workers represented in the criminal justice system, specifically the penal system is a growing need and viable area of interest for local and state legislators.  For those interested, I strongly encourage you to attend the NOFSW annual conference in July.

Photo Credit via NASW

Share this:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
Tags: Criminal JusticeFordham UniversityJack MonellList of credentials in psychologyNorth CarolinaProfessorSocial WorkTina MaschiUnited StatesWinston-Salem State UniversityYolanda Byrd
Previous Post

Community Organizing and Creating Allies on Twitter

Next Post

Connecticut Raises Minimum Wage and Provokes Conversations on Homelessness and Affordable Housing

Next Post
Connecticut Raises Minimum Wage and Provokes Conversations on Homelessness and Affordable Housing

Connecticut Raises Minimum Wage and Provokes Conversations on Homelessness and Affordable Housing

Please login to join discussion
ADVERTISEMENT

Featured Jobs

Social Worker MSW 1
Marble Falls, TX - Baylor Scott & White Health
*About Us* *Location: Marble Falls, TX - 810 West ...
Social Worker MSW 1
Dallas, TX - Baylor Scott & White Health
*JOB SUMMARY* *Location: Dallas, TX - Baylor Unive...
Social Worker MSW 1
Marble Falls, TX - Baylor Scott & White Health
About Us Location: Marble Falls, TX - 810 West Hw...
Social Worker MSW 1
Dallas, TX - Baylor Scott & White Health
JOB SUMMARY Location: Dallas, TX - Baylor Univers...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Lancaster, PA - Optum
Mindful Changes Counseling, part of the Optum fami...
CareCoach Connect Social Worker Frisco Area
Frisco, TX - United Health Group
WellMed, part of the Optum family of businesses, i...
CareCoach Connect Social Worker Hillsboro Area
Hillsboro, TX - United Health Group
WellMed, part of the Optum family of businesses, i...
CareCoach Connect Social Worker Frisco Area
Frisco, TX - Optum
WellMed, part of the Optum family of businesses, i...
CareCoach Connect Social Worker Hillsboro Area
Hillsboro, TX - Optum
WellMed, part of the Optum family of businesses, i...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Gig Harbor, WA - LifeStance Health
Sign-On Bonus!We are actively looking to hire tale...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Bothell, WA - LifeStance Health
Sign-On Bonus!We are actively looking to hire tale...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Edmonds, WA - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Licensed ...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Kirkland, WA - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Licensed ...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Renton, WA - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Licensed ...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Olympia, WA - LifeStance Health
Sign-On Bonus!We are actively looking to hire tale...
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Sammamish, WA - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Licensed ...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Richmond, TX - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Austin, TX - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Plano, TX - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Killeen, TX - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Friendswood, TX - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
San Marcos, TX - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Dallas, TX - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Prosper, TX - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Frisco, TX - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Cypress, TX - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - Outpatient
Houston, TX - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Timonium, MD - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Easton, MD - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Tacoma, WA - LifeStance Health
Sign-On Bonus!We are actively looking to hire tale...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Scottsdale, AZ - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented licensed ...
Clinical Supervisor / Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Sammamish, WA - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Database Administrator
Indianapolis, IN - Indiana University
The Indiana University School of Social Work works...
Part-Time Case Manager - RN or Social Worker in Boulder CO
Boulder, CO - United Health Group
Optum is a global organization that delivers care,...
Part-Time Case Manager - RN or Social Worker in Boulder CO
Boulder, CO - Optum
Optum is a global organization that delivers care,...
Licensed Independent Social Worker - Outpatient
Columbus, OH - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Manhattan, NY - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LPC, LMFT)
Milwaukee, WI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented therapist...
Practice Administrator - Oral Surgery
Watertown, MA - Oral & Facial Surgery Centers of Massachusetts
Practice Administrator - Oral SurgeryOn-site Pract...
Practice Administrator - Oral Surgery
Watertown, MA - Oral & Facial Surgery Centers of Massachusetts
Practice Administrator - Oral SurgeryOn-site Pract...
INTACT SERVICES SPECIALIST Job Details | State of Illinois
Bourbonnais, IL - State of Illinois
INTACT SERVICES SPECIALISTWe continually strive fo...
Educational Resources Coordinator
Indianapolis, IN - Indiana University
The Indiana University School of Social Work works...
Household Manager/Social Worker
Crosby, MN - Heartwood
Heartwood is seeking a full time Household Manager...
Social Worker 3/Clinical Counselor 3
OH - Case Western Reserve University
POSITION OBJECTIVE The Social Worker 3/Clinical Co...
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Outpatient
Riverton, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Outpatient
Salt Lake City, UT - LifeStance Health
At LifeStance Health, we believe in a truly health...
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Novi, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Lansing, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Highland, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Brighton, MI - LifeStance Health
We are actively looking to hire talented Therapist...
View All JobsPost a Job
Powered by

  • Ending the Therapeutic Relationship: Creative Termination Activities

    Ending the Therapeutic Relationship: Creative Termination Activities

    94 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What Feelings Are In Your Heart: An Art Therapy Exercise for Kids

    694 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Biopsychosocial Perspective to Mental Health and Illness

    3 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • My Journey as a Teacher and the Future of Education

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Stages of Development: Aging Across the Life Span

    580 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
ADVERTISEMENT
SWHELPER

We bring content to support you and the people you care about in their various stages of life. If you are searching in google on how to help or assist a loved one or yourself, check out our content.

LEARN MORE »

  • Terms of Service
  • Article Submissions
  • Advertising
  • Shop Merch

© 2024 SWHELPER.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Category
    • Business
    • Culture
    • Economy
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Travel
    • Opinion
    • Politics
    • Tech
    • World
  • Find/Post Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Shop Merch

© 2024 SWHELPER.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    If You Enjoyed This Post
    Join Our Newsletter
    Subscribe
    Give it a try, you can unsubscribe anytime.
    Close