ABOUT US
IACFP supports correctional and forensic psychologists, as well as other helping professionals working with justice-impacted individuals. We aim to advance evidence- and practitioner-informed policies and practices, and to elevate psychology’s role in correctional settings.
For 2025-2031 we have adopted three pillars as the Association’s strategic focus:
Helping the Helpers: IACFP is dedicated to advancing the voice of psychology in corrections through supporting psychologists and other helping professionals. The focus of this support is opportunities for connection with colleagues globally and learning through Continuous Professional Development.
Research to Practice and Practice to Research: IACFP’s journal, Criminal Justice and Behavior, offers evidence-based and practitioner-informed resources for practitioners. Our IACFP Bulletin bridges research and practice by summarizing current studies and showcasing international corrections initiatives.
Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Association for the Future: IACFP is committed to building our international identify, enhancing communication with members, and strengthening partnerships with other organizations.
For more information regarding IACFP’s strategic pillars, click on the files below:
Since 1954, the goals of the International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology have been:
- To promote the development of psychological practice in criminal justice and law enforcement settings.
- To contribute toward appropriate teaching of the psychology of crime, delinquency and criminal justice.
- To support the development and application of effective treatment approaches for individuals in the care of the criminal justice system.
- To stimulate research into the nature of criminal behavior, to exchange such scientific information, and to publish the reports of scholarly studies of criminal behavior.
- To concern ourselves with relevant public, professional and institutional issues which affect or are affected by the practice of psychology in the criminal justice system.
Criminal Justice and Behavior is the official publication of the IACFP. This monthly peer-reviewed journal promotes scholarly evaluations of assessment, classification, prevention, intervention, and treatment programs to help correctional professionals develop successful programs based on sound and informative theoretical and research foundations.
In addition to original research, theoretical contributions, and information on innovative programs and practices, it also provides critical reviews of literature or theory on topics central to criminal justice and behavior, including:
- Classification and treatments of offenders
- Causes of delinquent and criminal behavior
- Prevention, intervention, and treatment programs
- Education and training
- Effectiveness of different sanctions
- Offender and offensive characteristics
- Psychology of policing
- Psychology and law issues
