Forensic Social Work
Forensic social work for criminal, civil, and juvenile matters.
Forensic social work brings social work expertise into criminal, civil, and juvenile legal matters. Our work extends beyond traditional clinical settings and may include assessment, treatment, consultation, and recommendations related to mental health, functional capacity, the best interests of minors, and other issues that intersect with the legal system.
With specialized training in forensic social work and membership in the Forensic Social Work Alliance, we also provide consultation and may serve as expert witnesses when appropriate.
Forensic social workers address a wide range of issues involving individuals and families who interact with the legal system. Areas of practice may include child custody, child maltreatment, termination of parental rights, domestic and elder abuse, divorce and civil disputes, juvenile and adult justice matters, corrections, and court-mandated treatment. Forensic social work helps bridge the legal system and the social work profession by bringing clinical, behavioral, and psychosocial expertise into legal settings.
YOUTH
Forensic social work can be especially valuable when working with youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Services may include identifying mitigating factors, assessing individual and family needs, advocating for developmentally appropriate responses, and identifying community-based treatment and support options when appropriate.
Youth involved in the justice system often present with complex clinical, family, educational, and environmental needs. These factors can be important when developing treatment recommendations and helping courts, attorneys, families, and other professionals better understand the circumstances affecting a young person.
Disparities also remain an important consideration in juvenile justice. Federal data continue to show that youth of color are disproportionately represented in residential placement compared with their share of the overall youth population.
Whether working with an adult or a young person, our goal is to help identify individual needs, relevant psychosocial factors, available supports, and appropriate treatment or community-based resources.
“Alone, we can do so little. Together, we can do so much.”