Forensic social workers may also be involved in the development of public policy related to mental health and criminal justice.
[8] Forensic social workers are trained to assess individuals in a variety of contexts, such as prisons, juvenile detention centers, and family court proceedings.
[13][14][15] Forensic social workers must be knowledgeable about the legal system, mental health issues, and the psychological effects of crime and trauma.
This specialty of the social work profession goes far beyond clinics and psychiatric hospitals for criminal defendants being evaluated and treated on issues of competency and responsibility.
[20][21][22] A broader definition includes social work practice that is in any way related to legal issues and litigation, both criminal and civil.
[23][24] Forensic social work practitioners provide a wide range of services to individuals, families, and communities affected by crime, violence, and other legal issues.
[25][26] Typically, they work in collaboration with attorneys, criminal justice professionals, and other practitioners to ensure that clients' rights and needs are being met.
The history of social work in Nigeria dates back to the late 19th century when Christian missionaries arrived in the country to spread their faith and provide humanitarian aid.
[48][49][50] These missionaries provided healthcare, education, and social services to the local populations, but their work was mainly directed at the wealthier classes.
The government has supported the profession through the provision of funding for training and the development of social work programs.
The Department of Health in England currently identifies the following functions as being key to the social work role: • assessment • care co-ordination • report writing and presentation • working with individuals and families • working in collaboration with service users and carers • undertaking social supervision with conditionally discharged patients and the supervision of those subject to supervision and in the case of those within forensic community teams, community treatment orders • working with external agencies and multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPAs) • continuing professional development[59] Social workers in the community are commonly appointed as "social supervisors" to patients who are subject to conditional discharge has been discharge under section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983.
Social supervisors support the person in the community but also provide regular reports to the Ministry of Justice about their progress and may recommend their recall back to hospital.
[60] Social workers in Nigeria provide individuals, families, and communities with the resources and support they need to cope with life's challenges.
Social workers in Nigeria typically provide a range of services to individuals, families and communities.
Social workers in Nigeria have an important role to play in improving the quality of life of those they serve, and in helping to create a more equitable and just society.