Unlock an Exciting Career
Unlock an Exciting Career
Forensic social work is an evolving area of specialized practice that brings together social work knowledge, legal understanding, ethical practice, and skills for working within justice and other legally influenced systems. In Canada, forensic social work is increasingly recognized as a distinct area of education and professional practice, although it is not currently a separate regulated professional designation.
The National Institute of Forensic Social Work (NIFSW) supports the development of forensic social work knowledge and competencies through specialized education, professional development, consultation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our work is designed for social workers and other professionals whose roles intersect with law, justice, corrections, mental health, child welfare, family services, courts, and related systems.
Forensic social work requires more than an understanding of social work practice. Practitioners must also understand the legal and ethical frameworks that influence their roles, responsibilities, documentation, assessment, advocacy, interviewing, and professional decision-making.
NIFSW is committed to strengthening this area of practice by providing relevant, accessible, and high-quality education that prepares professionals to work confidently and competently at the intersection of social work and the law.
Contact us today at info@nifsw.com to discuss how we can help.
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Be a part of this exciting and emerging sub-specialty in social work practice. Learn the law that is essential to social work practice. Develop practical skills in forensic social work advocacy, investigation, testimony as an expert witness, and assessment.
Unlock an Exciting Career
The possibilities are endless when you have people committed to providing you with the best service, training and support.
Our Founder
Shawna Paris O.N.S., KC, JD, BCCH, MSW, RSW-CS, PhD(std).
The National Institute of Forensic Social Work (NIFSW) was founded by Shawna Paris, a visionary leader whose career bridges the worlds of law, social work, and mental health. As a practicing lawyer, social worker, psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist, and educator, Shawna recognized a critical gap between the legal and social service systems. After years of concurrent practice, she recognized the urgent need for lawyers to better understand social work principles and for social workers to gain a deeper insight into the laws that shape their practice.
A trailblazer in interdisciplinary practice, Shawna is known nationally for her integrative and justice-oriented approach. Clinically, she specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction, working through a lens that is culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and client-centred. In the legal field, she is recognized for her advocacy in family law, criminal law, and human rights, advancing equity and access to justice for marginalized and racialized communities.
As an educator, Shawna brings her expertise into the classroom, teaching clinical law practice, cross-cultural studies, law and social work, diversity in Canada, and human development at several Canadian universities.
Her doctoral research focuses on forensic social work education, examining how social work students and practitioners develop the knowledge, skills, and ethical frameworks necessary to engage effectively within legal systems. Her research reflects a commitment to strengthening interdisciplinary education and advancing the field of forensic social work in Canada.
With extensive experience in trauma-informed lawyering, cultural competency, and program development, Shawna has collaborated with government agencies, NGOs, grassroots organizations, and academic institutions to design and implement programs that foster justice, inclusion, and well-being.
Her forensic social work framework draws on anti-oppressive, feminist, culturally competent, and trauma-informed approaches, emphasizing critical thinking, solution-focused strategies, and race-conscious practice.
Program Areas and Expertise include:
- Trauma-informed lawyering and advocacy with survivors of sexual assault.
- Cultural competency and equity training for lawyers and social workers.
- Race and culture impact assessments (IRCAs) and court-involved evaluations.
- Human development and environments.
- Policy and program development in justice and health systems.
- Parental capacity and access assessments in family and child protection cases.
- Forensic reports and corrections programming.
Through the NIFSW, Shawna continues to bridge the gap between law and social work, advancing a future where both professions collaborate to create more compassionate, culturally responsive, and equitable systems of justice.
Photo by "Capture It" photography.
Bio: Clinical & Legal
Additional Information
Shawna Paris-Hoyte is one of the few dual professionals practicing law and social work concurrently. With over 22 years of experience as a private practice clinical social worker, she combines her expertise in psychotherapy, clinical hypnotherapy, and EMDR with her extensive legal background in Family Law, Child Protection Law, Criminal Law, Youth Justice Law, and Human Rights. Shawna provides a unique interdisciplinary approach, integrating the knowledge and skills from law and social work to offer comprehensive legal and social justice support. She provides comprehensive treatment for a range of issues, including crisis intervention, life transitions, suicidal ideation, relationship and couples counselling, domestic violence, grief, and self-esteem, utilizing approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Trauma-Focused Therapy. Shawna is also an expert in conducting assessments, including consultation on race and culture reports, parental capacity, access reports, and child wishes statements.
In addition to her clinical work, Shawna brings over 30 years of experience in law as a defence lawyer, with expertise in Family Law, Child Protection Law, Criminal Law, Youth Justice Law, and Human Rights. She has appeared at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada (R. v. L.T.H., SCC 2008), and provides trial consultation, particularly related to race and culture. Shawna also serves as a Clinical Instructor, teaching social work courses at Dalhousie University and the University of Calgary, and contributes to policy development and program consulting. Her PhD research focuses on forensic social work education.
Awards & Honors
- Nova Scotia Barrister's Society Distinguished Service Award- 2022.
- Recipient of Queen Elizabeth II 70 Anniversary Platinum Jubilee Medal - 2022
- The Order of Nova Scotia Awarded in 2020- Investiture Ceremony November 2021
- Canadian Association of Social Workers- National Distinguished Service Award- 2016.
- The Honorable Justice Bertha Wilson Honor Society Inductee, October 17, 2014.
- Nova Scotia Legal Aid, Service Recognition Award, October 15, 2014
- Lifetime Achievement Award –National Black Law Students' Association of Canada- January 2014
- Queen’s Counsel Designation – February 2011
- The Inaugural recipient of the Hon. Justice Lorne Clarke, Q.C Award for Access to Justice, 2010.
- National Black Law Students Association: People Making a Difference Award – March 2009.
- Elizabeth Fry Society - Rebels with a Cause - 2006 Recipient, May 2006.
- Black Community Advocates Association of NS- Recognition Award as Founding Member, 2002.
- Treasury Board of Canada - Award of Recognition - Embracing Change Task Force- 2001.
- Recipient of numerous contribution awards from local universities, schools and organizations. Current research and studies in social work focus on the transgenerational transmission of trauma and the impact on the biopsychosocial development of African Canadians and Indigenous peoples.
Private Practice Services
Shawna has a small private practice as a psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist. If you are interested in accessing her clinical services, please click the button below. You can also visit the website at www.sphlifesolutions.com. All contact is confidential and private.