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About the Presenter

Shawna Paris, ONS, KC, MSW, RSW-CS, BCCH, PhD (std), is an inspiring and highly accomplished African Nova Scotian leading this transformative course. Shawna brings thirty years of legal expertise and twenty years of clinical social work experience to her training as a private practice trauma specialist and licensed social worker. She is the founder of the National Institute of Forensic Social Work in Canada (est. 2016) and the first international member of the Board of Directors for the National Organization of Forensic Social Work in the U.S.A. With her extensive background, Shawna delivers dynamic and practical insights that will equip you to excel in trauma-informed forensic practice.

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Course Outline

This course is for everyone who wants to master the intersection of law and social work. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just setting out on your career path, this interactive, skills-based 4-week workshop will change what's in your professional toolkit. Understanding that the law is directly linked with social work and human services in myriad ways, many working professionals find themselves entering this field without really knowing how legislation directly affects their jobs. This course serves as a bridge between law and social practice which strives to give you the confidence and ability to traverse legal complexities independently.

One of the obligations of social work and social justice work is to understand the law -- both its impact on society and how to respond. With increasing challenges to society, particularly among marginalized and minoritized groups like Indigenous people, people of colour, people who suffer from mental illnesses, and new Canadians, now is an especially critical time in history for looking at how law intersects with social work and justice.

This course is designed for social workers, health care professionals, lawyers, justice navigators, human service workers and others who wish to be advocates with tools in their hands; those who can stand up for legislation on behalf of people.

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Why You Should Take This Course

Participants are talking about the practical knowledge they gained in the class.

Through the study materials provided, interactive exercises and critical reflections, you will get a deep understanding of how to apply anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, client-centred and culturally aware approaches in your practice. You will not only build critical thinking skills through this course, but you will also gain an understanding of the legal environment which underlies your professional work.

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Who Should Participate

This workshop is perfect for people working in any of the following sectors:

• Social Work

• Justice System (including legal staff, social workers, and legal navigators)

• Healthcare

• Human Service Delivery

If you are interested in bringing legal knowledge into your social work or social service practice, then your specialty field will benefit from the confidence-making capabilities offered by this course.

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Goals & Learning Objectives

Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in forensic social work practice or just want information about the law, the following are the skills you will become knowledgeable about after just 4 weeks:

• Canadian law and its relevance for social workers and human service workers

• Essential law for social work and social justice practice

• How forensic social work cuts across various areas of law and how this affects client outcomes in criminal law, youth justice law, child welfare, family law and human rights

• New methods for expanding your capabilities in legal affairs and social justice issues, as well as cultivating good work habits from which you can continue learning for many years down the road

• Canadian court structure and process

• Law and policy as they concern your everyday practice

• Ethical concerns in practice within the legal field.

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Format

Each module will provide all you need for one week of study. A new module is posted each Monday morning. This course requires about 4 hours per week of dedicated study from you. You can undertake each module when it fits your schedule. Each module will also include a quiz at the end to see whether you have mastered the content.

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While mobile devices might work for some areas, to gain the best experience you should use a Mac or Windows computer.

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What you get: 24/7 access to course materials and a flexible learning environment where you can enhance your skills on a schedule that suits you. Get ready to dive into a lively and career-building experience that will deepen your professional skills at every stage. Join us today and study how to use legislation and social work to make a crucial difference! 

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16 continuing education credit hours.

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FORENSIC SOCIAL WORK 1 

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Early registration (paid on or before July 21, 2025)$425

Regular registration (paid after July 21, 2025)$460

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