Forensic Social Work Certificate Program: Foundation Skills for Forensic Social Work  
October 10 and 11, 2023  Registration now open.  $220 members / $270 non-members. 
Oct. 10 2:00 - 6:30pm eastern time
October 11 2:00-5:30pm eastern time
Register
Apple mobile device users please us this link to register - https://www.eventbrite.com/checkout-external?eid=666451964767

The Forensic Social Work Certificate is a continuing education program sanctioned by the National Organization of Forensic Social Work. This certificate program is open to anyone working in a forensic social work related field or is a graduate of or current student in a social work program.  Participants will receive training in topics  foundational to sound forensic social work knowledge. It would be appropriate to list or note this certificate among a professional’s specialized areas of training. It would not be appropriate to list as a credential after one’s name (e.g. Sallie Sue, FSWC).
 
The virtual program will be offered from 2:00 - 6:30pm eastern time on October 10 and 2:00-5:30pm on October 11.  Participation in the entire program is required to complete the certificate program.  The format will allow for viewing of the presentation and supporting materials as well as interaction between the presenters and participants in real time.  Registered participants will receive instructions on how to gain access to this event via email approximately one week prior to the event.  Certificates of completion will be emailed within 10 business days of course completion.  

To receive CE Credit social workers must pre-register for ce credit, log in at the scheduled time, attend the entire course and complete an online course evaluation.  

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 7.0 continuing education credits.

Agenda
Oct. 10
1. Orientation to the FSW Certificate - History and Foundations
The opening session welcomes attendees, covers participation expectations and sets the foundation for 
day’s exploration and learning experience. Attendees will gain an understanding of the professional 
benefits and limitations of the FSW Certificate, take a brief look at the history of the field with specific 
attention to the cross-cultural nature of social work and the law, and identify emerging topics shaping 
the future of the field.

2. Court Systems and Expert Testimony 
Examines the court context of forensic social work practice focusing on criminal, consultant and child 
welfare examples.

3. Law Enforcement: Intentional & Reciprocal Partnerships
Understanding law enforcement can be of significant benefit to variety of FSW functions including work 
in domestic violence, child protection and dependent and older adult protection. In a socio-cultural 
climate where community relationships can be tense, there important roles for FSWs and other human 
service collaborators

4. Trauma-Informed Service Provision for Justice-Involved Populations 
Explores common sources of trauma and keys to successful trauma-informed service delivery within the 
criminal and juvenile justice systems. Ethics, diversity, and advocacy are integrated into a discussion on 
engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation strategies for the direct service provider in 
forensic settings. 

Oct. 11
5. (In)justice in the Juvenile Justice System
Examines the structure and goals of the juvenile justice system including legal, extra-legal, and sociopolitical factors. Provides in-depth analyses of the School-to-Prison Pipeline, Racial and Ethnic 
Disparities (Disproportionate Minority Contact), and a national age of majority as key targets for forensic 
social work.

6. The Casualties of Incarceration
Explores the impact of incarceration on children, families and communities and the value of forensic 
social work practice beyond the criminal justice system.

7. Public Defense Mitigation: Telling the Story
Provides a step-by-step approach to the forensic social worker’s role in sentencing advocacy; core social 
work skills are translated into the special needs for working effectively with a defense team.

Wrap-Up 

If you have questions about the FSW Certificate or to request special accommodations, please contact Jim Campbell at jim.campbell@nofsw.org.  
 
Presenter Bios 

Learning Objectives

References/Citations

System requirements: 
• Operating Systems: Windows XP or higher, MacOS 9 or higher, Android 4.0 or higher
• Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 9.0 or higher, Google Chrome, Firefox 10.0 or higher
• Broadband Internet connection: Cable, High-speed DSL & any other medium that is internet accessible.