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Save the Date!  Join us in New Orleans, LA May 26-29, 2026 at FSWA’s Annual Conference! The Conference will be held in person only in New Orleans, LA. Earn up to 20 social work continuing education credits.  Proposals for workshops and posters are now being accepted.  Registration will be available soon.  

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Preparing the Next Generation for Forensic Practice

 

The recognition of forensic and criminal legal social work as a distinct and specialized practice is growing globally, as is the impact of this practice area. Despite this, forensic social work education remains underdeveloped and varies significantly across jurisdictions. This conference seeks to advance forensic social work education scholarship by exploring curriculum development, pedagogical innovations, interprofessional training, and global perspectives on preparing social workers for forensic practice.

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For over four decades, the FSWA (formerly NOFSW) Conference has been a cornerstone for academics, students and professionals working in the field of forensic social work. Now in its 42nd year, this go-to conference continues to bring together the field’s most respected voices and emerging innovators for a one-of-a-kind learning and networking experience.

 

Set in vibrant New Orleans, where collaboration and culture meet, this year’s gathering invites voices to come together -where various voices harmonize like jazz, creating bold, lasting solutions for legal system impacted individuals and families.

 

The Conference returns to New Orleans—a city where scholarship meets soul. Attendees don’t just come for the sessions—they return for the connection, culture, and community. Past participants have paraded in second lines and built meaningful collaborations over beignets and bold ideas.

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FSWA - the Forensic Social Work Alliance — invites researchers, skilled trainers, and passionate professionals to submit proposals for the 2026 Conference. This in-person event offers high-impact, learning and showcases best practices, cutting-edge research, and innovative solutions to support justice system involved individuals and families.

 

Sessions should engage participants through content designed to support continued learning at every level—beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

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Submission Categories:

  • Training Seminars (60/90 minutes)

    • Practice-focused sessions for developing evidence-based skills.

  • Research Presentations (30 minutes)

    • Oral presentations of original or recently published research.

  • Poster Presentations

    • Interactive displays of research, programs, or policy innovation.

  • Roundtable Discussions (45 minutes, held during the lunch hour)

    • Facilitated, small-group discussions on emerging or challenging topics.

 

All proposals must include clearly written learning objectives. . [Use this link for guidance on writing objectives.]

Important Dates:

  • Submission Deadline: November 15, 2025

  • Acceptance Notifications: December 2025

  • Presenter Registration Deadline: February 6, 2026

 

Presenters must confirm participation within two weeks of acceptance. Discounted registration will be offered to all accepted presenters.

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The National Organization of Forensic Social Work, provider # 1823, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. National Organization of Forensic Social Work maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 07/18/2023–07/18/2026. Social workers registered for ce credit who complete  this course will receive up to 20.0 continuing education credits.

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