About the Editors

Tina Maschi, PhD, LCSW, ACSW is a nationally recognized leader in forensic social work, with extensive research on aging in the criminal justice system and numerous publications on trauma, human rights, and social justice.

George Stuart Leibowitz, PhD, LICSW brings expertise in clinical social work and forensic psychology, focusing on mental health interventions for justice-involved populations, especially adolescents and adults with sexual behaviour problems.

Together, they have assembled a diverse group of contributors who provide real-world insights from the field.

Overview

Forensic Social Work: Psychosocial and Legal Issues Across Diverse Populations and Settings offers a thorough examination of the intersection between social work and the legal system. Edited by Tina Maschi and George Stuart Leibowitz, this volume addresses the complex psychosocial challenges faced by individuals involved in the justice system, including victims, offenders, and their families. Designed for graduate students, practitioners, and researchers in social work, psychology, criminology, and related fields, it covers key topics such as assessment, intervention, ethics, and policy, with a focus on diverse populations across various forensic settings.

Key Features

This reference work provides a structured approach to understanding forensic social work practice. Essential details include:

• Editors: Tina Maschi, PhD, LCSW, ACSW and George Stuart Leibowitz, PhD, LICSW
• Format: Paperback
• Dimensions: 17.8 cm x 25.4 cm x 3.2 cm (approx. 7 x 10 x 1.27 inches)
• Weight: 907 g (approx. 2.0 lb)
• Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

Each chapter includes case examples, discussion questions, and resources for further reading, making it suitable for both classroom instruction and independent study.

What You Will Learn

Readers will gain a deep understanding of the following areas:

• The role of social workers in legal and correctional settings
• Psychosocial assessment and intervention with diverse populations, including youth, older adults, and individuals with mental illness
• Legal issues such as competency, insanity, and civil commitment
• Ethical dilemmas and best practices in forensic social work
• Trauma-informed care and working with victims of crime
• Cultural competence and addressing disparities in the justice system

This book also explores emerging trends, such as restorative justice and reentry programmes, offering a contemporary perspective on the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should read this book?

This book is ideal for graduate students in social work, psychology, and criminal justice, as well as practicing professionals seeking to specialize in forensic settings. It also serves as a valuable resource for researchers and policymakers.

What topics are covered?

The book covers a wide range of topics, including forensic assessment, legal competencies, ethics, trauma, substance abuse, and working with special populations such as veterans and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Is this book suitable for classroom use?

Yes. Each chapter includes learning objectives, case vignettes, and discussion questions that facilitate active learning and critical thinking.

How is the book structured?

The book is organized into sections that address foundational concepts, specific populations, and practice settings. It includes contributions from multiple experts, providing a well-rounded perspective.