Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

Social work with criminals and juvenile delinquents is almost a neglected area within social work education system in Iran. The graduates are not usually equipped with the knowledge base and the specific skills required for practice in Criminal Justice System. It is only a very recent activity to appoint some social work graduates in social work and counseling sections within certain Police Stations to handle the family quarrels and domestic violence cases, but the social work students are not trained to work as probation officers. This article tries to demonstrate the goal and objectives of criminal justice social work and the importance of social work and rehabilitative measures that should be taken by well-trained social workers in criminal justice system and prisons. The roles and specific activities of social workers in working with criminals and juvenile offenders have been emphasized. The required outcome-oriented social work practice and inter• disciplinary as well as intra-disciplinary collaboration skills have been mentioned, along with examples of goodpractice measures within the system, andhow-to guidelines about. helping clients to overcome their problems and achieve their expectations.

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