Forensic Social Work Practitioner

Forensic social work is a field related to law and legal systems. The social work includes resolving legal, criminal and civil issues.

Forensic social work encompasses working with children and families involved in custody battles, divorce, neglect and termination of parental rights cases. In forensic social work, an individual can expect to work with people who have severe mental health issues. Forensic social workers handle victims’ rights in cases such as rape and murder. As a rule, these services are delivered in the prison system or hospitals.

Functions of the forensic social work practitioner may include providing consultation, education, or training to:

• Criminal justice, juvenile justice, and correctional systems
• Law makers
• Law enforcement personnel
• Attorneys, law students, and paralegals
• Members of the public

Besides functions of the forensic social work practitioner may include:

• Diagnosing, assessing, and treating criminal and juvenile justice populations
• Diagnosing, treating, or making recommendations about mental status, childrens’ interests, incapacities, or inability to testify
• Serving as an expert witness
• Screening, evaluating, or treating law enforcement and other criminal justice personnel

There are some other functions of the forensic social practitioner. These may include:
•     Policy and program development
•     Mediation, advocacy, and arbitration
•     Teaching, training, and supervising
•     Behavioral Science Research and Analysis

If you want to become a forensic social worker, you should complete a bachelor’s degree in social work and then a master’s degree in forensic social work. Besides you will need to complete 3,000 hours of paid work experience prior to sitting for your state license. Moreover, you should complete a field placement, in which you will be working individuals in the criminal justice system.

It’s very important to underline that forensic social workers are required to obtain a state license. If you fulfill the educational, field placement and paid work experience, you will be required to submit an application to the State Board of Behavioral Examiners. If you are approved, you will be scheduled to sit for the written and oral exam. You will be notified by mail if you passed your exams. If you pass your state exams, you will eventually issue a license with a number that is kept on file with the state.

• School Social Workers
• Clinical Social Worker Training
• Social Work Degrees in Missouri
• Clinical Social Workers Licensing
• Internships for Forensic Social Workers