Forensic Social Work-Short Stories is a series of actual events that occurred in the life of Forensic Social Worker, Doug Roberts. It chronicles the perils of testifying in Court and some of the mistakes made in working with the Criminal Justice System and some of the clients who try, and at timed succeed in manipulating the system to their advantage. A must read for any social worker who has ever had to appear in Court and wishes never to be there again.

This extensively revised edition reviews the latest research and practices in forensic social work. Readers learn to integrate socio-legal knowledge when working with diverse populations in a variety of settings. Noted interdisciplinary contributors review the most common forensic issues encountered in the field to better prepare readers to deal with the resulting financial, psychological, emotional, and legal ramifications. Using a human rights and social justice approach, the book demonstrates the use of a forensic lens when working with individuals, families, organizations, and communities that struggle with social justice issues. Each chapter features objectives, competencies, Voices From the Field, a conclusion, exercises, and additional resources. The book is ideal for MSW and BSW courses in forensic social work as well as forensic/legal courses taught in criminal justice and psychology. Practitioners working in a variety of settings who must have a working knowledge of forensic social work will also appreciate this comprehensive overview of the field. Key Features: Highlights working with various populations such as minorities, immigrants, veterans, the elderly, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, substance abusers, trauma survivors, and more. Reviews the field’s conceptual and historical foundation and pertinent laws to better prepare readers for professional practice (Part I). Introduces the most common forensic issues encountered when working in various settings, including health care, social and protective services, the child welfare system, the criminal justice system, school systems, immigration services, addiction treatment facilities, and more (Part II). Provides a wealth of practical guidance via case studies and interviewing, assessment, and intervention tips. Voices From the Field written by seasoned practitioners introduce common situations readers are likely to encounter. New to this Edition: Highlights the 2015 Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Policies and Accreditation Standards throughout the text. Greatly expanded coverage from 26 to 33 chapters with more information on health care, housing, employment, the juvenile and criminal justice system, adult protective services, and the dynamics of oppression. New Part III dedicated t

This book draws upon the Colorado Model of Criminal Defense-Based Forensic Social Work – a holistic, client-centered, collaborative approach that uses a trauma-informed care framework – to outline the numerous roles and skills of a forensic social worker. The comprehensive, developmentally informed model employs a past (e.g., mitigation themes and life history compilation), present (e.g., client contact and current functioning support), and future (e.g., reentry services) framework to provide mitigation narratives for defendants and to create a comprehensive approach to service. The text starts with an overview of practice standards, ethical considerations, and legal frameworks. Next, chapters examine the unique roles that a forensic social worker must take on and the skills they need to possess. These include using clinical interventions with clients in nonclinical settings, working with clients of different identities and backgrounds, assisting with reentry planning for incarcerated clients, and collaborating with experts outside of the defense team. Finally, the authors provide strategies for practitioners to engage in their own self-care. Interwoven with four case studies using the Colorado Model, this book will be valuable reading for graduate schools of social work, law school programs which have clinics or direct practice components to legal studies, and at defender agencies who contract with or employ social workers on staff.

At age eight, Charlie was the only child born to his parents, Eddie and Marge Williams. A bi-speckled, timid boy, Charlie abhorred competitive sports as his small size was a detriment as more aggressive, larger-size youths just pushed him aside to go after the ball. Charlie, thus, immersed himself in the reading of books, fantasizing about being a hero or scoring the willing goal. Eddie was a large, extremely overweight diabetic who became more depressed after the death of both his parents within a year of one another. He had gained 85 pounds in two years and refused to be tested for diabetes as he already knew the results. Of late, Eddie would awake in the middle of the night to raid the refrigerator and he seemed to be eating every two hours. After work, Eddie would stop at a local bar to have a few drinks before he came home for dinner. Then later, he went back to the bar for a few more, all the while making some excuse to leave Marge at home. On the other hand, Marge was an emaciated-looking anorexic who, as a teen, had frequent purges to keep her weight down and lost 20% of her body mass. Once diagnosed, some therapy helped as she gained part of her weight back. Marges parents lived in California and as part of the hippy generation grew pot on their 20 acre farm before being busted by the ATF. They both received five years in jail with Marges mother released early to lead a nomadic existence without her husband. Marge had since had no contact with her parents for over 12 years which she welcomed. Charlie heard his parents arguing again that evening over Eddies desire to hit the bar again, but gave an excuse that he had to shop for new clothes since he gained more weight. Marge didnt believe him and insisted that she accompany her husband. She left Charlie alone saying, Dont answer the phone if it rings and lock all the doors when we leave. Charlie obeyed and welcomed the solitude, preferring to immerse himself in his books. The phone rang three times, but Charlie did not answer it. He heard loud banging on the door saying, This is the police, open the door. Charlie looked out his window to see two police cars with flashing lights on. A neighbor saw the commotion and came to assist. A police woman explained to Charlie that there had been a terrible car accident and both parents had died. It was later determined that there were no brake or skid marks and that Eddie went straight into a bridge abutment after suffering a diabetic coma. Charlie was placed in the Wilkins foster home by a state Childrens Services social Worker, Mrs. Burns. She accompanied Charlie in the funeral car with Charlies neighbor. There were few mourners and only two cars were in the funeral possession. Two workers with shovels couldnt wait till the funeral car left before they shoveled dirt atop both coffins. Bill and Sara Wilkins had just been approved as foster parents. He was an insurance executive; Sara was a stay-at-home mom for their two children, Brian, age ten and Samantha, age five. Although readily accepted into their home, Charlie returned to his reading and refused to engage in any competitive sports activities. Charlie was a straight A student, but he remained isolative. One summer, the Wilkins family purchased an above ground, backyard swimming pool. Within days, Charlie was transformed, jumping in the water from the deck, giggling, laughing, and enjoying himself. The kids would play a game of diving for coins thrown into the water and Charlie was the first to retrieve the coins as he would hold his breath and watch for the splash on the surface of the water. He amassed a sizable nest egg at the end of the summer. Bill asked Charlie if he enjoyed the water and recommended that Charlie join the YMCA for swim lessons. Charlie readily agreed and was pleased. Pretty soon, Charlie was able to swim under water the width of the pool and requested twice a week swimming lessons, which was granted as long as Charlies scho

"[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

Examine cutting-edge research on the social worker’s role in the legal system! Social Work and the Law: Proceedings of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work, 2000 addresses the issues and concerns facing social workers who deal with law and the legal system. This comprehensive research collection is essential for providing diagnosis, treatment, and recommendations on legal issues and litigation, both criminal and civil. The findings are invaluable for social workers called upon for consultation, education, and training insights when dealing with legal personnel. As the relatively new field of forensic social work grows, the issues related to its expansion become more complex. Social Work and the Law presents thoughtful commentary on those issues, taken from cutting-edge research findings on the links between animal, child, and domestic abuse; the psychology of stalkers (and their targets); empowering the drug courts; determining competency to stand trial; and much more! Vital for social work practitioners, the book is also an important resource for medical, legal, and criminal justice professionals, educators, and counselors. Social Work and the Law is a valuable guide for anyone dealing with: the assessment and treatment of criminal and juvenile justice populations the civil rights of the mentally ill and mentally impaired the social work aspects of marriage, divorce, and annulment the termination of parental rights and much more! More and more, social workers will need legal knowledge as they advocate for clients who have legal problems and/or are involved in the judicial system. Social Work and the Law provides essential information on dealing with issues confronted by the civil and criminal justice systems.