 The Central Council for Training and Education in Social Work (which was responsible for promoting education and training in social work between 1971-2001) defined forensic social work as 
“social work with mentally disordered people who present, or are subject to, significant risk and as a consequence are, or could be, in contact with the criminal justice system…The key purpose of forensic social work is to hold in balance the protection of the public and the promotion of the quality of life of individuals and by working in partnership with relevant others to identify, assess and manage risk; identify and challenge discriminatory structures and practices; engage effectively and identify, develop and implement strategies.” 

Forensic social work has been done since at least 1899 coming out in part, of the settlement house movement, and the expansion of urban charity work.The social worker bridges the gap between the two worlds of
hospital and community.In the United States the Forensic social worker has a variety of functions, including social assessments for various courts including Family Court, and providing assessments and aftercare for psychiatric hospitals.