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Second Chance Social Work

A Practical Guide to 
Community Forensic Social Work 

Welcome to the community forensic social work resource site. You probably came here looking for specific information on this practice area. Many resources focus on general forensic social work or incarcerated individuals, but they often overlook the needs of those living in the community impacted by the justice system. This site fills that gap, offering a practical, accessible guide for social workers working with justice-impacted individuals in community settings and for those interested in learning about community forensic social work.

About CSFW 

So, what is community forensic social work? In short, community forensic social work involves working with individuals who are justice-impacted. This means a person could be on probation, parole, pre-trial, or involved with the court system. 

Reentry 

Reentry is more than just returning home from incarceration. It is a complex process. There are basic things everyone needs, but also there are finer nuanced details that go unnoticed 

In Practice

Community forensic social workers operate in a multitude of settings. Each setting has its own unique challenges, but no matter the arena, the focus should always remain person-centered and recovery-oriented. 

Mental Health 

Mental health is prominent in CFSW. The United States prison system has been considered the largest de facto provider of mental health services in the United States. Continuity and improvement of care are central to CFSW. 

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