Forensiese maatskaplike werk as spesialiteit in maatskaplike werk : definiëring en terrein

Abstract

Since the inception of Social Work as a profession, the profession has assisted the legal system of South Africa with the evaluating and/or assessment of individuals as part of the legal processes as requested by the legal system. The presumption that a degree in social work qualifies a social worker to assist the court with the above mentioned processes, is misplaced , even amongst the social work professionals themselves. This article focuses on the definition and scope of Forensic Social Work in the South African context. This will assist the SACSSP to establish criteria to register Forensic Social Work as a specialized field in Social Work. Those Social workers who want to render forensic services will need to acquire additional, specific, specialized knowledge, skills and experience regarding this field that is not acquired during pre-graduate studies, and which comply with the requirements of the judicial system. The findings of the study will be discussed with a submission of a definition and clarifying the scope of Forensic Social Work in South-Africa.