Social Work and the Courts Specialty Practice Section

We are social workers who perform community safety or offender assessments; provide forensic evaluations, custody and guardianship recommendations, mediation or parent coordination, or expert testimony in civil or criminal matters; or work in the areas of corrections, law enforcement, or probation/parole.

This section was developed in response to requests from a growing number of NASW members whose professional roles and responsibilities or expertise intersect with the legal system. This section will be of interest to social workers who perform community safety or offender assessments; provide forensic evaluations, custody and guardianship recommendations, mediation or parent coordination, or expert testimony in civil or criminal matters; or work in the areas of corrections, law enforcement, or probation/parole.

Social Work and the Courts Section Committee


  • Sandra Kopels, JD, MSW – Urbana, IL (Chair)
  • Gabriela Dodson, LCSW – Santa Barbara, CA
  • Shawntelle L. Fisher, MSW/MDiv, LCSW, CRAADC  – St. Louis, MO
  • Lee King, DCC, LCSW - Las Cruces, NM
  • Ashley McSwain, MSW, MSOD - Washington, DC

Alternates

  • Amanda Biggs, MSW - Anchorage, AK
  • Melissa S. Milam, MSW, LICSW, CCTP - Washington, DC

collage of different African American people, some with eyes closed

Racial Justice

NASW is committed to social justice for all and to ending racism. We are mobilized and increasing our efforts in the face of America's racism pandemic.

Learn about our activities


adults in conversation

Join the Conversation 

SPS members, visit MyNASW and choose My Communities to connect with peers in your Specialty Practice Section.

Visit MyNASW