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Generalist Forensic social work is when the law and social work intersect usually in clinical practice and in child protection, youth criminal justice, domestic violence, mental health, and corrections. It is a specialty that requires enhanced professional training.

Generalist forensic social work (FSW) is an emerging  sub-specialty of social work practice. The training in FSW  can benefit those in the legal community and social work. Social workers with the specialized training are hired to work in legal environments as part of an inter-disciplinary and inter-professional team. 

Those trained in forensic social work at a Master's level bring expert evidence to the court room through written reports such as risk assessments, parenting assessments, access assessments, child wishes statements and Inter-generational and trans-generational Impact Reports.(c)

Those with forensic social work skills are employed as part of an investigative team with various legal authorities, police services and corrections to assist families in terms of protecting children, youth, and adults who have come in contact with the justice system.  

Those with forensic social work skills are consultants, mentors and change-makers who work with other professionals in many systems and in services that are linked to the justice system and advocate for social justice change by challenging policy and legislation.