CRM 203: SOCIAL WORK
BY DR. FREDRICK O. OTIENO
WEEK 4 NOTES
TOPIC: SOCIAL WORK AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
1.0 Introduction
Social work and the criminal justice system intersect significantly, especially where issues of
human rights, rehabilitation, reintegration, and social justice are concerned. Social workers
act as change agents within this system, advocating for fairness, rehabilitation over
punishment, and humane treatment of offenders and victims alike.
Social workers are present across the entire criminal justice process—from arrest,
prosecution, sentencing, incarceration, to reintegration—ensuring that social factors are
considered in decision-making and service delivery.
2.0 Roles of Social Workers in the Criminal Justice System
2.1 Social Workers and the Police
Functions:
• Crisis Intervention: Assisting individuals in emotional distress (e.g., survivors of
domestic violence or sexual abuse).
• Community Policing Support: Engaging communities to prevent crime and improve
police-community relations.
• Juvenile Diversion Programs: Helping youth avoid formal judicial processing
through social support interventions.
• Victim Support Services: Offering psychological and logistical support to crime
victims.
• Referrals and Advocacy: Connecting individuals to services such as shelters, mental
health care, or legal aid.
Example (Kenya):
Social workers attached to the Gender Desk at police stations assist GBV survivors with
counseling and legal support.
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2.2 Social Workers in the Court System
Functions:
• Pre-Sentence Reports: Preparing social inquiry reports to help magistrates
understand an offender's background before sentencing.
• Mitigation and Advocacy: Recommending alternative sentences like probation,
community service, or rehabilitation.
• Child Protection Services: Representing children’s welfare in custody, abuse, and
neglect cases.
• Family and Custody Mediation: Facilitating dialogue and resolution in family-
related court cases.
• Support for Witnesses and Victims: Helping vulnerable persons understand the
court process and provide testimony.
Example (Kenya):
Children’s Officers, many with social work backgrounds, provide welfare assessments in
children's courts during custody disputes.
2.3 Social Workers in Prisons
Functions:
• Rehabilitation Planning: Developing personalized rehabilitation and counseling
plans for inmates.
• Psycho-social Support: Providing individual and group therapy to address trauma,
addiction, or behavioral issues.
• Family Reunification: Mediating and facilitating contact between inmates and their
families.
• Vocational Training Coordination: Supporting the implementation of skills
development and education programs.
• Reentry Preparation: Preparing inmates for reintegration into society upon release.
Example (Kenya):
Inmates at Kamiti Prison benefit from social work services that include counselling and
spiritual development initiatives.
2.4 Social Workers in Probation Services
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Functions:
• Supervision of Offenders: Monitoring individuals serving non-custodial sentences to
ensure compliance.
• Rehabilitation Support: Helping probationers with job placement, addiction
recovery, and life skills.
• Community Engagement: Working with community leaders to support offender
reintegration and reduce stigma.
• Victim-Offender Mediation: Facilitating restorative justice approaches where
appropriate.
• Risk Assessment: Identifying risks of reoffending and tailoring supervision
accordingly.
Example (Kenya):
Probation officers under the Probation and Aftercare Service (PAS) work closely with the
judiciary to supervise and support offenders in the community.
2.5 Social Workers in Parole
Functions:
• Parole Assessment Reports: Evaluating suitability of inmates for early release.
• Post-Release Supervision: Monitoring and supporting individuals on parole to aid
their reintegration.
• Counseling Services: Helping parolees manage reintegration challenges such as
unemployment, stigma, or substance abuse.
• Community Reintegration Programs: Coordinating halfway homes, mentorship,
and family reunification services.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Engaging NGOs, religious institutions, and
community groups in supporting parolees.
Example (Kenya):
Though parole is not extensively practiced in Kenya, the concept is evolving with greater
emphasis on community reintegration—highlighting the potential role of social workers in
this area.
3.0 Skills Required by Social Workers in the Criminal Justice System
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• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Cultural Competency and Empathy
• Knowledge of Legal Systems and Human Rights
• Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
• Case Management and Documentation
4.0 Challenges Faced by Social Workers in the Justice System
• Overwhelming caseloads
• Hostile or bureaucratic work environments (especially in prisons and courts)
• Limited resources or support
• Stigmatization by colleagues or community members
• Ethical dilemmas involving client confidentiality vs. public safety
5.0 The Value of Social Work in Criminal Justice
• Promotes rehabilitation over punishment
• Protects human rights of vulnerable individuals
• Strengthens community safety and resilience
• Encourages restorative justice approaches
• Fosters collaboration across justice and welfare sectors
6.0 Summary of Key Roles Across Justice Institutions
Institution Social Work Roles
Police Crisis support, referrals, victim support, community engagement
Courts Reports, mediation, advocacy, child protection
Prisons Rehabilitation, counseling, family linkage, reentry support
Probation Supervision, rehabilitation, reintegration, risk assessment
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Institution Social Work Roles
Parole Supervision, reintegration planning, counseling
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