The Criminal Justice Institute embraces the holistic defense model by integrating social workers into the legal team. We believe that effective criminal defense requires more than legal advocacy alone. Social workers play a vital role in supporting clients in addressing the underlying systemic barriers that may contribute to their interaction with the criminal legal system. Social Work contribution strengthens the legal defense by humanizing the people we work with as individuals deserving of freedom.
Services We Provide
Written advocacy
Referrals to treatment
Brief clinical interventions
Reentry services
Care coordination
In-court advocacy
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Supporting immediate needs
Social Work Internship
CJI Social Workers provide training and supervision to MSW students during the academic year.
Interns work under the supervision of clinical social workers to provide holistic services to adults and youth involved in the criminal legal system. Interns collaborate with student attorneys, clinical instructors, and community providers to advance client goals and achieve the best possible outcome for their legal case. Each day looks different, but tasks can include: referrals to treatment, visiting clients in jails and in the community, written advocacy, and attending court dates.
How to Apply:
Please apply using the online application. Applications can be found through your school’s Practicum or Field department. If we have not previously worked with your school, we always welcome new partnerships. If you have any questions, please reach out to our office at (617) 496-0914.
We are accepting social work intern applications for the 2026-2027 academic year from January 1st 2026- February 6th 2026.
We strongly encourage BIPOC social work interns and those from other historically underrepresented communities to apply.
Meet Our Team
Alexis Waller, LICSW
Alexis joined the Criminal Justice Institute in 2021. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Boston University and a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Simmons University. In her free time, Alexis likes baking, trying new foods, and hanging out with her cat, Bella.
Sarah Waldron, LCSW
Sarah joined the Criminal Justice Institute in 2024. She holds a Master’s in Social Work and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. In her free time, Sarah enjoys running, spending time with her friends and family, and trying new restaurants.