Social Work Practice in the Criminal Justice System
3rd Edition
Will be published approx. on 2. September 2026
236 pages
E-Book
978-1-040-61449-5 (ISBN)
Description
This fully revised and expanded third edition presents an overview of the criminal justice system for social workers, exploring the networks and institutions which comprise it. Integrating social work ethics and a commitment to social justice, each chapter explores social work practice roles to address social problems within the criminal justice system while promoting the development of knowledge, skills, and critical reflection.
This textbook covers four key areas for social work practice (legislation, law enforcement, courts, and corrections) as well as providing insights into police social work, forensic social work and correctional social work. The revised edition has also been updated to include four new chapters on:
* The global criminal justice and social work collaboration issues associated with immigrants, refuges and asylum seekers
* Social worker safety in criminal justice settings
* Vulnerable populations with a discussion on risk and resilience
* International criminal justice social work
Every chapter concludes with a helpful summary of social work practice implications, alongside key terms and suggestions for further reading. Examining the challenges and opportunities of social work practice in the criminal justice system, this is the ideal textbook for social work instructors, students, and practitioners working in this field.
This textbook covers four key areas for social work practice (legislation, law enforcement, courts, and corrections) as well as providing insights into police social work, forensic social work and correctional social work. The revised edition has also been updated to include four new chapters on:
* The global criminal justice and social work collaboration issues associated with immigrants, refuges and asylum seekers
* Social worker safety in criminal justice settings
* Vulnerable populations with a discussion on risk and resilience
* International criminal justice social work
Every chapter concludes with a helpful summary of social work practice implications, alongside key terms and suggestions for further reading. Examining the challenges and opportunities of social work practice in the criminal justice system, this is the ideal textbook for social work instructors, students, and practitioners working in this field.
Reviews / Votes
"Patterson's timely update addresses cutting-edge, compelling issues concerning social workers' involvement in clients' immigration, refugee, and asylum matters; social worker safety; social workers' efforts to assist crime victims and survivors; and pertinent international issues involving social work and criminal justice. The book remains a core resource for the profession."Frederic G. Reamer, PhD, Professor, School of Social Work, Rhode Island College, US
"Dr. Patterson's research on social work within the legal system is a necessary read for any social worker or social work student interested in exploring this area of practice, especially as it relates to immigration and the safety of social workers, both timely topics in the current climate. Forensic social work is a crucial and expanding realm of practice and Dr. Patterson's dedication to providing a framework and education on this fascinating and evolving part of our field is much appreciated by this social worker!"
E. Jean-Marie Catlett, LMSW, Forensic Social Worker, US
"An excellent text for students in social work and/or criminal justice majors."
Valerie R. Bell, PhD, Loras College, US
"As a social work educator having seven plus years in the criminal justice system as both a police officer and social worker, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by all involved. Patterson provides a concise, yet comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system in the U.S. from foundational underpinnings to the growing role of social workers within the four components of the criminal justice system."
Dr. LeAnn Howell, LSW, MSSW, EdD, Director of Field Ed., Professor of Social Work, Brescia University, US
More details
Edition
3rd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Reflowable
Illustrations
5 Tables, black and white
ISBN-13
978-1-040-61449-5 (9781040614495)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
George T. Patterson
Social Work Practice in the Criminal Justice System
Book
approx. 09/2026
3rd Edition
Routledge
€191.50
Not yet published
George T. Patterson
Social Work Practice in the Criminal Justice System
Book
approx. 09/2026
3rd Edition
Routledge
€52.50
Not yet published
Person
George T. Patterson is a Project Evaluator. A certified police instructor, he has taught criminal justice courses to social work and criminal justice students, and trained police officers and recruits. His social work practice experience includes employment in a correctional facility and a law enforcement agency. He has published extensively on social work practice and criminal justice system topics, and is the author of Police Social Work, also published by Routledge.
Content
1. Introduction to the U.S. Criminal Justice System 2. Legislation and the Criminal Justice System 3. Law Enforcement 4. The Court System 5. Corrections 6. Social Work Practice in the Criminal Justice System 7. Social Work Safety in the Criminal Justice System 8. Vulnerable Populations and the Criminal Justice System 9. Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers: Intersections between the Immigration System and the Criminal Justice System 10. Evidence-based Practice in the Criminal Justice System 11. Global Social Work Practice in the Criminal Justice System 12. The Future of Social Work Practice in the Criminal Justice System
