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Summer 2025 Advanced Standing and Fall 2025 
Applications NOW OPEN for On-Campus MSW

Incarcerated

The Unchained Scholars are a group of formerly incarcerated MSW, DSW, and Ph.D. students @ USC working with ally members to dismantle the barriers faced by people impacted by the criminal punishment system. Upholding the values and principles of the profession of social work, the Unchained Scholars challenge beliefs, policies, and systems that marginalize, stigmatize, and dehumanize individuals with criminal records contributing to a cycle of economic and racialized oppression. Through advocacy and diverse community building, the Unchained Scholars live the change they want to see. @us_usc_sdpssw

Article: Unchained Scholars Break Barriers, Support One Another

Forensic Social Work Caucus

The goal of the Forensic Social Work Caucus (FSWC) is to disseminate information regarding the practice of forensic social work to all interested students and provide opportunities for networking with professionals in the field. Sign Up. Instagram: @usc_fswc

Explore

Decarcerating America

Mass Incarceration: Overview of its Effects on Black and Brown Individuals, with Policy Recommendations Using Family Engagement to Address Recidivism

From Mass Incarceration to Smart Decarceration

Blog: What Is a Prison Social Worker?

Blog: A Day in the Life of a Prison Social Worker

What is Justice and Corrections Social Work?

While it tops the list to be sure, reduced recidivism is not the only aim of corrections social work. Prisoners in the United States number 2.3 million and counting. That’s 2.3 million people not contributing to GDP, 2.3 million people leaving families to cope with less support, and 2.3 million people bleeding taxpayer money via the US criminal justice system. Simply not going back to prison is just the beginning. Read on to find out how prison social workers enrich the quality of life and self-sufficiency for prisoners across the country.

Professional Resources

Toolkit for Decreasing Psychosis-Associated Recidivism with Treatment in Jail

Research Article: The role of social workers in reducing recidivism rates for juvenile offenders