Forensic social workers perform a vital public service in guiding their clients through the daunting and ever-changing legal system. These professionals possess a firm grasp of the civil, criminal and juvenile justice systems, along with a profound understanding of how socioeconomic, cultural, religious, and other aspects of their clients' lives may impact access to legal services. The certificate program will prepare you to apply the principles of social work to the legal system, including applicable local, state and federal laws, civil and criminal courts and the juvenile justice system, law enforcement agencies, and correctional facilities. Your clients may be children or adults, individuals or families, organizations or communities. Their legal difficulties may involve child custody and parental rights issues due to domestic violence and neglect and crimes relating to mental illness and substance abuse. They may face arrest and incarceration, be imprisoned or hospitalized, or be on probation or parole.