WHAT IS FORENSIC PSYCHO-LEGAL WORK?

Forensic psycho-legal work is the application of social work and psychology to questions and issues relating to law and legal systems. This specialty of our profession goes far beyond clinics and psychiatric hospitals for criminal defendants being evaluated and treated on issues of competency and responsibility. A broader definition includes social work and psychology practice which in any way is related to legal issues and litigation, both criminal and civil. Child custody issues, involving separation, divorce, parenting plans, neglect, parental rights and responsibilities, the implications of child and spouse abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment all fall under this definition.

CAN ANY THERAPIST BE A FORENSIC SPECIALIST?

Forensic psycho-legal work is based on specialized knowledge drawn from established principles and their application, familiarity with the law, painstaking evaluation, and objective criteria associated with treatment outcomes. What the professional offers must be of utility and couched in language to which the court can relate. The conclusions and recommendations must withstand critical review and rebuttal from opposing parties. The training of social work and psychology practitioners has not traditionally included familiarity with the adversary process nor do the issues that civil and criminal justice systems confront. Without such training, social workers and psychologists called onto provide forensic services may find themselves at a disadvantage.

FUNCTIONS OF THE FORENSIC PRACTITIONER MAY INCLUDE ...

PROVIDING CONSULTATION, EDUCATION, OR TRAINING TO:

Criminal justice, juvenile justice, and correctional systems
Law makers
Law enforcement personnel
Attorneys, law students, and paralegals
Members of the public

DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

Diagnosing, assessing, and treating criminal and juvenile justice populations
Diagnosing, treating, or making recommendations about mental status, children’s' interests,
      incapacities, or inability to testify
Serving as an expert witness
Screening, evaluating, or treating law enforcement and other criminal justice personnel

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

Policy and program development
Mediation, advocacy, and arbitration
Teaching, training, and supervising
Behavioural Science Research and Analysis

Forensic practitioners engage only in forensic activities within their areas of competence and expertise. (National Organisation of Forensic Social Work)