ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the six categories of criminal justice interventions: incapacitation, deterrence, rehabilitation, community restraints, structure and discipline, and combining rehabilitation and restraints. Social work practice in the criminal justice system or with individuals having criminal justice involvement can be challenging. Social work functions include direct or clinical practice, administration, advocacy, research, and training and providing consultation to criminal justice professionals such as attorneys. A key feature of the social work profession is its emphasis on changing lives as well as social environments. Another feature is the view that environmental factors influence social problems. The problem-solving model is also applicable for social work intervention at micro, meso, and macro levels. Social workers require specialized training to practice in the criminal justice system. Specialized social work practice refers to possessing an area of expertise and knowledge relative to a specific population or social problem.
