Examine cutting-edge research on the social worker's role in the legal system!Social Work and the Law: Proceedings of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work, 2000 addresses the issues and concerns facing social workers who deal with law and the legal system. This comprehensive research collection is essential for providing diagnosis, treatment, and recommendations on legal issues and litigation, both criminal and civil. The findings are invaluable for social workers called upon for consultation, education, and training insights when dealing with legal personnel.As the relatively new field of forensic social work grows, the issues related to its expansion become more complex. Social Work and the Law presents thoughtful commentary on those issues, taken from cutting-edge research findings on the links between animal, child, and domestic abuse; the psychology of stalkers (and their targets); empowering the drug courts; determining competency to stand trial; and much more! Vital for social work practitioners, the book is also an important resource for medical, legal, and criminal justice professionals, educators, and counselors.Social Work and the Law is a valuable guide for anyone dealing with:

• the assessment and treatment of criminal and juvenile justice populations
• the civil rights of the mentally ill and mentally impaired
• the social work aspects of marriage, divorce, and annulment
• the termination of parental rights
• and much more!

More and more, social workers will need legal knowledge as they advocate for clients who have legal problems and/or are involved in the judicial system. Social Work and the Law provides essential information on dealing with issues confronted by the civil and criminal justice systems.