What is Forensic Social Work

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

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 and certification are hired to work in legal environments as part of an inter-disciplinary and inter-professional team. 

Forensic social workers 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)

Forensic social workers work 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.  

Forensic social workers 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.