Week 2
History of Forensic Social Work
This portion of the course focuses on the delineation of the history of forensic social work, advancements in professionalizing social work practitioners, and the development of forensic science. Furthermore, you will examine the evolution of forensic social work within the growth and expansion of the current job market. NASW (2017) states that forensic social workers median base pay for a forensic social worker is approximately $56,000 and the highest pay can be up to
$91,000; these are above the base pay of all the other disciplines of social work.
The relationship between social work and forensic science is complex; for example, the impetus for law enforcement to adopt a particular forensic methodology has varied. At times, the development of forensic methodologies necessitates a further step in professionalizing law enforcement departments. Other times, law enforcement sought new forensic inventions or the improvement of existing scientific analysis.
This week provides a concentrated focus on the changing policies regarding the sciences of forensics and social work, all within the broader context of the history of forensic social work and the professional development of U.S. law enforcement in general. Furthermore, it contributes to the literature of law-enforcement, federalism, chemistry, biology, and crime.
Social workers understand the history and current structures of social policies and services, the role of policy in service delivery, and the role of practice in policy development. Social workers also understand strategies designed to eliminate oppressive structural barriers to ensure that social goods, rights, and responsibilities are distributed equitably and that civil, political, environmental, economic, social, and cultural human rights are protected.
Consider the challenges social workers have practicing in the field of forensics.
Write a reflection paper that identifies three attributes needed for effective social work practice including an understanding of how diversity and difference characterize and shape the human experience and are critical to the formation of identity.
-Be sure to explain how social work practitioners define success in their work and the necessary skills to be successful including consideration of how social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may affect their assessment and decision-making.Be sure to explain how social work practitioners define success in their work and the necessary skills to be successful including consideration of how social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may affect their assessment and decision-making.
-Discuss social worker roles and responsibilities in at least two settings related to forensic social work
-Be sure to examine effective relationship practices that could be used when working with criminal justice clients, and identify critical personal traits social workers must possess for effective practice in forensic social work including that social workers understand that evidence that informs practice derives from multi-disciplinary sources and multiple ways of
knowing
-Support your assignment with at least three scholarly resources. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including seminal articles, may be included.
Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.
