LEXINGTON, KY – As part of its yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of BASW accreditation, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is proud to announce a virtual CEU Lunch & Learn on January 17, 2025, from 12:00-2:00 PM EST.
The event, inspired by the College’s “Social Work is Everywhere” campaign, will feature engaging discussions led by Sara Baldwin, LCSW, a Mitigation Specialist and Forensic Social Worker, and Leah Wilson, an MSW student and intern at Sara Baldwin Mitigation Investigations. Together, they will delve into the critical intersections of social work and criminal justice. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the transformative role of social workers in forensic advocacy, criminal defense, and beyond.
Keynote Speakers:
Sara Baldwin, LCSW
Sara Baldwin brings decades of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in criminal defense services. Known for her ability to combine biographical storytelling, social anthropology, and forensic social work, Sara has contributed to hundreds of cases across all levels of litigation, including pre-trial, post-conviction, and clemency in both state and federal courts. Her meticulous approach and proven track record have positioned her as a leader in mitigation services.
Sara’s work was notably featured in The Marshall Project’s award-winning piece, “Mercy Workers,” which provides an in-depth look at the critical role of penalty mitigation specialists in the justice system. She has been instrumental in presenting nuanced life histories to judges and juries, shaping case outcomes through a human-centered lens.
Leah Wilson, MSW student
Leah Wilson, a native of North Florida, is a passionate social worker in her final semester of the University of Kentucky’s MSW program. Leah’s journey into social work began after five years as a psychiatric technician in juvenile settings, where she witnessed firsthand the need for systemic change.
As a mitigation specialist intern under the guidance of Sara Baldwin, Leah has contributed to the prevention of the death penalty and the broader discourse on systemic reform within the criminal justice system. Her work emphasizes early intervention and the importance of addressing the structural factors underpinning incarceration. Leah’s story was recently featured on the College of Social Work’s website, underscoring her dedication to forensic advocacy and her belief in redemption.
About the Event
This event continues the celebration of the College of Social Work’s BASW accreditation milestone, showcasing the diverse and impactful roles social workers play in communities, institutions, and systems around the world. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive and educational discussion, earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for their participation.
Registration Details:
This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Zoom links will be provided upon registration.
Learning Objectives and Additional Details
Attendees will explore:
- The role of social workers on interdisciplinary defense teams, highlighting their unique contributions to client advocacy.
- Collaborative partnerships between social workers and lawyers in criminal defense, emphasizing their shared efforts to achieve justice for clients.
- The integration of social workers with other forensic experts on criminal defense teams to provide comprehensive support and expertise.
Additionally, the presentation will include an overview of the history of the death penalty, offering critical context that will be woven throughout the discussion and Q&A session.
