The Invisible Work of Public Defender Social Workers: Bridging Courts, Systems, and Communities

2 CECs offered by NASW-CT via Zoom.  

This panel-style workshop will explore the often unseen yet critical role of public defender social workers across court systems and practice settings. Through guided discussion with social workers practicing in different courts, participants will gain insight into how social work principles are applied in court-involved environments, including mitigation, client advocacy, systems coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration with legal teams. The panel will highlight the day-to-day responsibilities of court-involved social workers, ethical considerations unique to forensic settings, and the balance between clinical judgment and legal strategy. Participants will examine how public defender social workers support clients and families navigating high-stress legal processes while addressing trauma, mental health needs, substance use, housing instability, and systemic barriers. The session will also address documentation practices, including reports and court-related letters, and how social workers maintain professional boundaries and credibility within legal systems. Case examples will be used to illustrate common challenges and effective interventions across different court contexts. The workshop will conclude with practical guidance for social workers interested in entering court-involved or public defender roles, including skills development, professional competencies, and system navigation strategies.

It is anticipated after participating attendees will be able to:

1. Explain how social work values, ethics, and trauma-informed principles are applied within court-involved and forensic environments. 

2. Analyze common challenges faced by public defender social workers when navigating legal systems, interdisciplinary teams, and client advocacy. 

3. Apply best practices for supporting court-involved clients and families while maintaining professional boundaries and ethical standards.

Click here for more information or to register.