Hello, I have a question about “forensic social work?”. Are forensic social workers directly involved in the court system?

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Yeah, I see. Thanks a lot!

I would say yes. Forensic social work is an area of social work practice in which social workers have direct involvement with the court system. Forensic social workers provide recommendations to courts regarding individuals’ competency to stand trial, risk of violence, or contribute to the court’s decision to impose alternative sentencing options. These recommendations are accomplished through conducting forensic interviews, psychosocial assessments, and providing expert witness testimony. Forensic social workers also provide treatment to court-ordered offenders. Examples of social problems addressed by forensic social workers include interpersonal violence, child maltreatment, custody, mental health, immigration, elder abuse, divorce, visitation, foster care, adoption, issues affecting the criminal and juvenile justice systems, and substance abuse. As this list shows, social workers are more directly involved in the court system.