Handbook of Forensic Social Work: Theory, Policy, and Fields of Practice

Forensic social work is a unique practice field that interfaces with criminal justice or legal systems at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice. The Handbook of Forensic Social Work Practice provides important reference content that explores the multiple facets of the justice system, the differential nature by which people, families, and communities navigate it, and the various ways social workers interface with the criminal justice system with associated client populations.

The Handbook is an essential and accessible resource for social workers in forensic practice that synthesizes current theory, policy, and practice. This comprehensive tool for social workers engaged in forensic practice will assist in knowledge and skill acquisition to enhance effective social work delivery.

David McLeod, PhD, MSW has spent decades working to reduce violence, particularly that directed at people and communities with diminished capacities for self-protection. He is a Professor and currently serves as the Interim Director of the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma. Additionally Dr. McLeod is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Forensic Social Work and the current President-Elect of the National Organization of Forensic Social Work. He has researched and published extensively on a variety of forensic social work topics at the intersections of violence, gender, and behavioral development.

Anthony P. Natale, MSW, PhD is an Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work, joining the faculty in 2005. Dr. Natale teaches across the social work curriculum, including Human Diversity and Societal Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice, Human Services Administration, Social Welfare Policy Analysis, Community Organization and Development, Human Lifespan Development, and Human Sexuality. He was inducted into the Social Work Hall of Fame for Teaching Excellence in 2015 and awarded the Regents Award for Superior Teaching in 2019. Dr. Natale's distinguished research record has evolved into four themes, HIV/AIDS health disparities, human sexuality in social work practice, practice with LGBTQQIPA2+ populations, and social work pedagogy. As a social worker, Dr. Natale has committed his professional and academic career to advance social, political, economic, and environmental justice for and always with marginalized and oppressed populations.

Kristin W. Mapson, MSW, PhD is Professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and School of Social Work, joining faculty in 2013. Dr. Bolton teaches across the social work curriculum including Diversity, Research Methods, Social Policy, Social Work Practice with Groups and Study Abroad Courses. Dr. Bolton has earned the Chancellor's Teaching Excellence Award and received honorable mention for the SAGE/CSWE Commission on Research Faculty Award for Innovation in Research Instruction. Dr. Bolton's research has centered on resilience across the life span, offender populations and solution-focused practice.