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National Institute of Forensic Social Work
Canada's Leader In Forensic Social Work Training Since 2016
Welcome to NIFSW
Elevate your career with Forensic Social Work training! Gain unique skills that open doors to exciting opportunities in social work, social services, social justice and law. Are you ready to advance your career? Click below to learn more and discover how this specialized training can shape your future.
What is Forensic Social Work?
Forensic social work is a specialized area of practice that applies social work knowledge, skills, ethics, and values within legal, justice, and legally influenced systems.
Key aspects of forensic social work practice may include assessment, advocacy, intervention, consultation, report writing, and collaboration within legal and justice-related systems. Those who practise forensic social work may assess psychosocial functioning, trauma, risk, parenting capacity, mental health, and other factors relevant to legal proceedings, where these activities fall within their professional scope and competence.
They may also support individuals and families involved in criminal justice, family law, child welfare, corrections, and forensic mental health systems; provide therapeutic or rehabilitative interventions; prepare professional reports; and, when appropriately qualified, provide expert evidence to courts or tribunals.
Those who practise forensic social work frequently collaborate with lawyers, courts, probation and correctional professionals, mental health providers, law enforcement, and other service systems to integrate social work perspectives into legal processes and promote informed, ethical, and culturally responsive practice.
Skills and Knowledge:
Practice skills include a solid foundation in both social work and law such as:
- Knowledge of Legal Processes: Understanding the intricacies of legal systems, terminology, and court procedures.
- Cultural Competence: Being able to navigate diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds in the context of the legal system.
- Trauma-informed competencies for practice in legal systems.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Balancing ethical considerations, such as confidentiality and client autonomy, with legal obligations.
- Communication Skills: Writing clear, objective reports, providing testimony in court, and working with clients in challenging legal contexts.
Training and Education:
To practice forensic social work, professionals typically need a university degree in Social Work and often require specialized training or certification. They may also need to be licensed in their jurisdiction (e.g., LCSW or RSW) and have a thorough understanding of both social work practice and the legal system.
In summary, forensic social work is a vital field that assists individuals involved in legal matters in navigating complex social and emotional challenges, ensuring that justice is served fairly and informedly.
Canada's First Micro-Credential in Forensic Social Work
The National Institute of Forensic Social Work, through Dalhousie University School of Social Work and the Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development, is offering a new Micro-credential in Forensic Social Work, beginning September 28, 2026.
Designed for social workers and other professionals practicing where social work and the law intersect, this program provides practical, competency-based learning relevant to justice, corrections, mental health, child welfare, family services, and other forensic settings.
Why earn a Micro-credential?
A microcredential is a short, focused form of professional learning that recognizes demonstrated knowledge and skills in a specialized area of practice. It can help you:
·
Build specialized forensic practice expertise
· Strengthen confidence and practice readiness
· Demonstrate competency to employers
· Enhance your résumé or professional portfolio
· Support career development and professional mobility
Program Pathway
FSW 1: Sept. 28 – Oct. 25, 2026
MC Module 1: Oct. 26 – Nov. 1
FSW 2: Jan. 18 – Feb. 14, 2027
MC Module 2: Feb. 15 – 21
FSW 3: Mar. 8 – Mar. 28, 2027
MC Module 3: Mar. 29 – Apr. 4
Capstone: April 2027
Already completed FSW 1, 2 and 3?
You can enter the Micro-credential pathway directly.
You do notneed to repeat the courses. Complete the corresponding Micro-credential modules during their scheduled weeks and then complete the Capstone.
About the Instructor
Shawna Paris, ONS, KC, PhDc, MSW, RSW-CS, BCCH is a lawyer, mental health clinician, clinical social worker, educator, and leader in forensic social work education in Canada. She has been teaching and advancing forensic social work for approximately a decade.
Her doctoral research at Memorial University of Newfoundland examines the preparedness of social workers for forensic practice.
For additional context on the development of the field in Canada, read Shawna Yvonne Paris’s recent article, “The Emergence of Forensic Social Work in Canada,” published in the Journal of Forensic Social Work: Read the article
LIMITED ENROLMENT FOR THE INAUGURAL COHORT
For information and registration, contact:
Karla Hatt
Dalhousie University
coned@dal.ca
Register early — spaces are limited.
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