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Vision for Probation and Court Services - Forensic Social Work - Practice and Vision

NCJ Number
105798
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 51 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1987) Pages: 63-70
Author(s)
T P Brennan; A E Gedrich; S E Jacoby; M J Tardy; K B Tyson
Date Published
1987
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The article provides a conceptual paradigm for forensic social work through a discussion of clinical and theoretical aspects of practice at the Cook County Circuit Court Social Service Department (Illinois).
Abstract
The forensic social worker, in integrating the polarities of empathic casework and the control and authority of the court, implements a practical link between mental health and criminal justice. By helping clients who fall between the cracks in the two systems, workers provide restorative and preventive services to a population of clients who pose grave risks to themselves and society if left unserved. Workers often are called upon to work with clients who have been unable to profit from therapy in other settings. Cases seen by the department include psychotics, violent alcoholics, and child sexual abusers. In the course of working with such highly resistive clients, forensic social workers also can contribute to theory and practice in the treatment of mentally ill and antisocial individuals. 34 footnotes.