Criminal justice social work in Ghanaian hospitals

Hospitals, as critical societal institutions, often become convergence points for crime and healthcare, necessitating social workers’ involvement in collaboration with criminal justice professionals. In Ghana, the lack of standards for cross-professional collaboration in handling crime within healthcare institutions creates challenges in responding to these complex cases. This study examines the intersections of criminal justice and hospital social work in Ghana, focusing on how hospital social workers (HSWs), in collaboration with criminal justice officers and health professionals, promote healthcare and justice for service users. The study was conducted at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Hospital. An intrinsic case study design was employed to capture the intricate realities of health and criminal justice intersections within the hospital context. Findings indicate that HSWs frequently encounter cases necessitating criminal justice intervention, often involving vulnerable populations such as children and individuals from poor socio-economic backgrounds. The study underscores the critical role of HSWs in navigating the complex intersections of healthcare and criminal justice, highlighting the need for standardized roles and responsibilities within institutional settings. By clarifying these roles, Ghanaian hospitals can better support social workers in providing comprehensive care and justice for victims.