10.7 Summary
- In this chapter, we have explored the benefits of working in the criminal justice field as well as the important considerations related to secondary trauma, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout.
- This chapter has a brief overview on the careers to be considered if you choose to work in this field. Remember, this field has many benefits and can be extremely rewarding.
- The criminal justice field is emotionally taxing on several levels, but also provides meaningful work. Any time someone can support positive impacts being made in someone’s life, makes the work worth it.
- To combat years of unintended stress and trauma, it is important to have an on-going self-care routine to incorporate daily. Ensuring that you keep yourself healthy while working in this field will greatly decrease the chances of doing harm to yourself and others throughout your career.
10.7.1 Key Terms
- Burnout
- Case manager
- Certified drug and alcohol counselor (CADC)
- Clinical social worker
- Compassion fatigue
- Correctional officers
- Counselor
- Forensic psychologist
- Law enforcement officer
- Lawyer
- Licensed nurse practitioner (LNP)
- Mental health counselor
- Paralegal
- Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS)
- Probation and pretrial officers
- Psychiatrist
- Secondary traumatic stress
- Self-care
- Vicarious trauma
- Victim advocate