Roundtable: Reentry Activism from Inside the System - Crossing the Intersection of Social Work and Criminal Justice

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Sessions

Abstract/Description

Stereotypes that social workers just want to “hug a thug” and that law enforcement entities are “bullies with a badge” fuel misnomers that the fields of criminal justice and social work remain diametrically opposed. Social movements such as “defund the police” have amplified this opposition (Jacobs, Kim, Whitfield, Gartner, Panichelli, et al., 2020). Yet, the National Association of Social Workers advocates for engagement with the criminal justice system as reform activists (NASW, 2025). This roundtable session examines an internship initiative that supports reentry efforts by merging the complex intersection of social work and the criminal justice system. Discussants examine three case examples that focus on this intersection. The first example utilizes library-based social work to reduce recidivism by addressing basic needs. The second example places social work interns in the Public Defender’s Office to support reentry by mitigating future criminality risks. The third example integrates a social work intern with a jail-based adult literacy program to address reentry needs related to GEDs and vocational education. In addition to discussing the barriers faced while working at the intersection of social work and criminal justice, the presenters examine their roles as reentry advocates who promote activism from inside the justice system.

Sub Unit

• Area XIV. Roundtables

Chair

• Barbara Walters, Eastern Michigan University

Co-Authors

• Jenny Fritz, Eastern Michigan University

• Bonnie Miller, Eastern Michigan University

• Chelsea Muto, Eastern Michigan University

• Josh Hill, Eastern Michigan University