Social work behind bars: Preparation for fieldwork in correctional institutions

Although social work has largely abdicated its historical role in the field of corrections, the need for social workers in correctional institutions is greater than ever as the number of incarcerated individuals soars. Fieldwork experiences in these settings can provide rich and challenging educational opportunities for students, while preparing them for future employment. Many faculty are unfamiliar with correctional facilities however, and few School of Social Work have academic coursework or organized fieldwork curricula in correctional social work. This article outlines an information and procedural knowledge base useful in preparing students for fieldwork in correctional institutions.