Forensic Social Work: Psychosocial and Legal Issues in Diverse Practice Settings

"[T]his book provides practical practice guidance as well as...interviewing and assessment tips....[A]n invaluable source of information for students, practitioners, researchers and educators."
-Karen M. Sowers, PhD
Dean, University of Tennessee
College of Social Work

Regardless of their field of practice, all social workers must understand how legal issues impact the financial, psychological, emotional, and social concerns that their clients face. Yet legal issues are rarely integrated in social work education in a meaningful and practical way. Therefore, it is imperative that social workers gain the interdisciplinary knowledge of the laws and policies that affect their client populations.

This groundbreaking text broadens the traditional definition of forensic social work to include the legal issues encountered in all social work settings-family and social services, education, child welfare, mental health, addiction treatment, juvenile and criminal systems, and immigration services. Advocating a collaborative approach, this book will allow social workers to navigate the complex social and legal issues that affect their clients.

Includes discussions of the common legal issues all social workers face:

• How to help meet basic client needs such as income, food, and shelter
• Policies and practice with victims of violence
• The relationship between school social work and the law
• Assessment and treatment of child abuse and neglect
• The legal needs of clients with mental health and addiction issues
• Forensic practice in juvenile and criminal justice systems
• Effective practice with immigrants, refugees, and victims of human trafficking

Digital instructor's materials available upon request. Email [email protected] to gain immediate access to:

• Forensic Interviewing Best Practices sample
• Psychiatric Evaluation sample
• Rapid Psychosocial Assessment Checklist
• Sample Syllabus for Forensic Social Work Courses
• Strengths-based Psychosocial Assessment and Treatment Planning Outline