Advanced Forensic Social Work Certificate Program: Forensic Court Systems, Reporting and Testifying

Advanced Forensic Social Work Certificate Program: Forensic Court Systems, Reporting and Testifying is organized by National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW) and will be held from May 14 - 15, 2024.

Learning Objectives:
Session 1. Overview of Court Systems and Social Work Roles Interfacing With Court Systems
• Identify the various forms of court-related activities in which forensic social workers participate
• Explain the importance of the interface of social workers in the court systems especially those involving minor children
• Describe at least 2 limitations to court-related work by social work professionals, and how social work expectations can be managed as regards court-related interaction
Session 2. The Call to Court
• Differentiate core agency policies of hos services versus human services
• Describe professional responsibility with regard to court subpoenas
• Explain the ethical relationship of social workers to minor clients and their families and how this relationship is impacted by court-ordered testimony
Session 3. Preparation, Preparation, Preparation
•  Identify the various components of research and information gathering in the forensic social work profession
•  List the different types of mitigation reports filed in court and their purpose
Session 4. Forensic Documentation
• Describe core considerations when drafting a mitigation report to courts
• Identify key components of a forensic report in response to a juvenile court
• Identify strategies for report writing in compliance with NASW Code of Ethics
Session 5. Testifying
• Identify the various types of subpoenas from court systems
• Describe criteria involved in serving as an expert witness
• Identify strategies for testifying in court and overcoming challenges by defense attorneys
Session 6. Mock Court
• Identify at least 2 key considerations when delivering court testimony
• Describe criteria involved in serving as an expert witness
• Identify strategies for testifying in court and overcoming challenges by defense attorneys