Forensic social work is the application of social work to questions and issues relating to law and legal systems. 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. A broader definition includes social work practice which in any way is related to legal issues and litigation, both criminal and civil. Child custody issues, involving separation, divorce, neglect, termination of parental rights, the implications of child and spousal abuse, juvenile and adult justice services, corrections, and mandated treatment all fall under this definition. Forensic social worker may also be involved in policy or legislative development intended to improve social justice. Functions Functions of the forensic social work practitioner may include: Providing consultation, education, or training to: Criminal justice, juvenile justice, and correctional systems Lawmakers Law enforcement personnel Attorneys, law students, and paralegals Members of the public Diagnosis, treatment, and recommendations: Diagnosing, assessing, and treating criminal and juvenile justice populations Diagnosing, treating, or making recommendations about mental status, children's interests, incapacities, or inability to testify Serving as an expert witness Screening, evaluating, or treating law enforcement and other criminal justice personnel Other functions: Policy and program development Mediation, advocacy, and arbitration Teaching, training, and supervising Behavioral Science Research and Analysis Forensic social work practitioners engage only in forensic activities within their areas of competence and expertise. Historical development United Kingdom The first appointed Psychiatric Social Worker in London was in 1936. The British Association of Psychiatric Social Workers was inaugurated only in 1930. Most of the expertise in England and Wales has been concentrated within the Specialist Hospitals. – Ashworth, Rampton and Broadmoor. at Broadmoor Hospital the first qualified mental health social worker was not employed until 1969. The Central Council for Training and Education in Social Work (which was responsible for promoting education and training in social work between 1971-2001) defined forensic social work as “social work with mentally disordered people who present, or are subject to, significant risk and as a consequence are, or could be, in contact with the criminal justice system…The key purpose of forensic social work is to hold in balance the protection of the public and the promotion of the quality of life of individuals and by working in partnership with relevant others to identify, assess and manage risk; identify and challenge discriminatory structures and practices; engage effectively