Forensic Practice in the Helping Professions

Abstract

This paper considers the impact of the adversary system on forensic social work and asks the question, can social workers establish an authentic therapeutic alliance and fiduciary relation in the forensic context? The adversary process of the judicial system presents challenges that are affecting forensic social workers in unique ways. For example, because of the quasi-coercive situations in the forensic setting, interpersonal attributes such as empathy, warmth and genuineness, which are the essential components of therapeutic alliance, cannot be truly or positively attained. Therapeutic alliance and fiduciary or trusting relationship are central to social work practice. However, the challenge and intricacies of maintaining therapeutic alliance in the forensic setting are concerns that have been largely ignored in the professional literature. The dual roles of advocate and adversary present a paradox with some important implications for all helping professions.