• 901 4th Street NW, Suite 6000 Washington, DC 20001
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Social Work Services

Court proceedings can take a major toll on a person’s well-being, especially when housing, safety, or stability are at risk. For neighbors already facing economic hardship or mental health challenges, eviction or court involvement can worsen symptoms and disrupt recovery. We know that evictions disproportionately affect low-income people of color, and the health consequences of eviction widen both racial and socioeconomic disparities in health as well. 

 

The legal system is not designed to address the housing, health, and economic challenges our clients navigate every day. 

A Holistic Model of Client-Centered Care

Built on the knowledge that social and economic barriers often exacerbate and are inseparable from legal concerns, Rising for Justice launched its Social Work Program in 2017 to deliver more sustainable, client-centered outcomes.

 

Our licensed clinical social workers and supervised Master of Social Work (MSW) student advocates provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive wraparound services alongside our legal services.

 

This integrated approach supports clients through the emotional and practical challenges of their legal cases—before, during, and after court. Rising for Justice is the only legal aid organization in Washington, DC that fully integrates social work into the delivery of free legal services.

Passengers sit and stand inside a city bus. A woman smiles while holding a young child on her lap, looking toward the camera, while other riders—including a woman seated nearby and an older man reading a book—occupy the space. Yellow poles and sunlight through the windows frame the everyday transit scene.

Why Social Work Services in Legal Aid?

Social work and legal advocacy are stronger together. When attorneys and social workers collaborate to support clients, all parties benefit from: 

  • Greater likelihood of lasting, successful outcomes 
  • Clearer, more effective communication 
  • Stronger engagement from clients who feel overwhelmed or uncertain
  • More informed and thoughtful decision making 
  • A deeper understanding of each client’s lived circumstances 

How Social Workers Support Our Clients

Our focus is on stabilization, dignity, and connection to long-term support, so clients are better positioned to move forward once their legal case concludes. Services include:

  • Employment and income-stability support 
  • Housing navigation and eviction-related assistance 
  • Mental health screening and referrals
  • Food access and benefits enrollment
  • Short-term case management and crisis intervention 
  • Emotional support throughout the litigation process

By addressing both legal needs and underlying challenges, this integrated model helps prevent crises from compounding into long-term harm. 

An adult and a child kneel on the grass planting a young tree, carefully pressing soil around its base. The adult holds a small pot while guiding the child’s hands, and a shovel rests nearby, suggesting a shared outdoor activity in a park or yard.