Everywhere around the world, the number of crime rates are increasing by leaps and bound. There is not a single day where you see a city or state crime-free. Every time you switch on the news channel, our local media reports various daunting cases, like child abduction, domestic violence, or killings.
At the same time, some defendants or clients are looking for psychiatric help. In contrast, others are busy handling their parental custody cases, etc. In short, this world and its people are fighting their own battle to gain justice and peace. No doubt, starting over a new life after spending years in prison is not an easy task. The same goes for kids who have faced child abuse or trauma. It is not easy for them to get over it. For such issues, some people have dedicated their lives to social work. Their motive is to provide support and care to the needy and people in desperate need.
But, sometimes, while dealing with the legal battles, you need support and cooperation from a credible source. Also, people do not have enough money to fight their cases or want intermediaries who can fight cases on their behalf. Hence, for such problems, many states have forensic social workers. They work under the judicial and legal system. Their purpose is to reassure suspects and criminals’ rights during the legal proceedings. People who belong to this field apply the rules of social work to the law and judicial system. They raise their concern and voice over the questions and issues affecting the individuals and families of criminals.
In other words, forensic social work is a broad field where you will learn to apply advocacy, counseling, and case management skills. Here, you will get a chance to fight for the human rights of victims and perpetrators. Meanwhile, you will also play a vital role in the recovery of psychology and physically affected souls.
Forensic Social Work as A Career
Like we discussed earlier, forensic social workers ensure the legal processes should take place within human dignity. For working along with the legal system, they must have knowledge and training in the cases confront by the justice system. In this way, they will have the competency and experience to deal with criminal cases.
So, are you interested in making your career in this field? But do not know about its scope as a profession, then learn more about it here. In this article, we will discuss where you can show your expertise with this degree. It is the field where one can enjoy the diversity of a career intersecting with the law.
Job Sectors for Forensic Social Work
As per the BSL report, several jobs for forensic social workers are available in various sectors. If you want to work at a state level, here is your chance to provide your services as a professional. There are several organizations such as Adult Protective Services, Social and Human Services, Mental and Regional health services, etc. On the other hand, you can also play a role in protecting the child by working in Child Protective Services. Well, if you think the work of forensic social workers ends here, then you are wrong. As we have mentioned above, it is a vast field that is doing wonders for the less privileged people.
Role in Policy and Program Development
One must not forget that having a degree in forensic social work does not restrict you from working in other areas. People who belong to this field are involved in making policy and developing programs for human rights protection. The Research and Analysis and Behavioral Sciences are also the areas where you can utilize your degree.
Work as a Forensic Interviewer
Those who think they have limited career options in this field must give it a read. If you have studied social work and criminal justice courses in your college times, then opt for this job. Being a forensic interviewer, you can apply your education and coaching to assess children, adolescents, and adults.
Mostly these kinds of people have testified sexual abuse and hideous crimes in their lives. To investigate and interview them, you need serious training as it is not as it seems. At the National Advocacy Children Center, you will get a chance to attend a five-day training program. Here, you will interview the real children, not the artists, to polish your skills.
Work on A Local Government Level
Being a forensic social worker, you can apply for job postings in various regions and mental health centers. Here, you can perform your duties as a counselor and help individuals, authorized representatives, and children. Similarly, you can also plan some health intervention policies with other justice systems and law agencies. At the same time,forensic social workers provide mental stability and care to affected souls.
Make Your Career in Correction System
Some people join the correction system because they think it is their responsibility to do so. They love to address and understand the criminals’ issues. According to the state, we must educate and collaborate with the accused. Hence, for this reason, the countries send offenders to the correction system where they have appointed forensic social workers. While the process of educating and assessing the accused starts from the beginning of the incarceration. It remains to continue until they release from prison.
Working with The Lawyers
One of the challenging tasks faced by forensic social workers is to work along with the lawyers. Everyone knows the fact lawyers have a desire to win their case. That is why they often go harsh and insensitive to the accused. However, social workers must deal with the clients with empathy, patience, and kindness. Therefore, the main challenge is to reach a point where both parties can discuss the matter that benefits the client and society.
Recommendation
If you do not want to work in the court system, then this is what you can do. By working as a forensic social worker, you can provide diagnoses and recommendations and do the screening, evaluation, and training of law enforcement personnel. They mainly focus on the mental health and status of the minors. However, they also make recommendations about the witness’s weakness to testify.
Conclusion
It is no wonder that forensic social work is one field where you will interact with juvenile and criminals’ systems concurrently. People who belong to this field have various options. They can make their career as a counselor of minors and inmates. On the other hand, they can also work as the forensic interviewer. However, thousands of jobs at the government and state level are open for forensic social workers.
