ASSOCIATION NEWS
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. Keep an eye out on this page for exciting developments and other IACFP news!
IACFP President Elect Voting is OPEN
28 October 2026
The voting period for the International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (IACFP) President-Elect is officially open, and your voice matters.
With our official slate announced, this is our opportunity as a community to officially ratify our next leadership. Choosing our leadership is a vital step to guide the direction of our community, support our ongoing initiatives, and advance the voice of psychology in corrections.
How to Vote / Confirm:
- Access the Ballot: Voting members can log in to the IACFP Vote Page to cast your vote.
- Deadline: November 11, 2026
If you have any questions or experience technical difficulties accessing your account or the voting page, please reach out to us at executive.director@myiacfp.org.
IACFP 2026 Distinguished Scholar: Dr. Shadd Maruna
19 September 2026
Dr. Shadd Maruna is a leading international voice in criminology, desistance, and offender rehabilitation, currently serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology at the University of Liverpool. His career focuses on the desistance process and promoting humanizing, evidence-informed approaches to justice and reintegration.
Key Highlights:
- Featured Keynote: Dr. Maruna will deliver the IACFP-sponsored keynote on lived experience and co-production of justice outcomes at this year’s ICPA conference in Belfast, highlighting his work training incarcerated individuals as co-researchers.
- Perspectives on Current Systems: He emphasizes moving past “buzzwords” to ensure actual practice changes, resisting the decline of prison research to prevent facilities from becoming purely carceral warehouses, and viewing models like RNR and Desistance Theory as complementary tools rather than competing approaches.
- Overarching Message: Dr. Maruna stresses that shifting daily culture and narratives within institutions is far more transformative than policy changes alone.
“Don’t treat them like the institutionalized person you currently see in orange; treat them like the person who you want [them] to be out on the streets, as your neighbor or your bus driver, or [whoever].”— Dr. Shadd Maruna
IACFP Celebrates Dr. Joel Dvoskin: Recipient of the 2026 ABPP Joel C. Frost Citizen Psychologist for Social Justice Award
16 July 2026
The International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (IACFP) is incredibly proud to announce that our esteemed colleague, board member, and friend, Dr. Joel Dvoskin, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Joel C. Frost Citizen Psychologist for Social Justice Award by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). The Joel C. Frost Award recognizes professional psychologists who have demonstrated outstanding, long-term commitment to social justice and systemic advocacy. This high honor is a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Dvoskin’s decades of tireless work and leadership.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Systemic Change
Throughout his career, Joel has been an unwavering champion for individuals living with severe and persistent mental illnesses. His extensive work within psychiatric hospitals and correctional facilities has consistently focused on humanizing care, improving treatment, and advocating for vulnerable populations.
Within IACFP and the broader mental health community, Joel is known not only for his clinical and forensic expertise but also for his willingness to challenge status quos. He consistently pushes for progression, equity, and inclusion in forensic and correctional psychology, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a “Citizen Psychologist.”
Join the Celebration
Joel’s dedication has left a permanent, transformative footprint on the field of correctional psychology. We invite all IACFP members, partners, and colleagues to join us in celebrating Joel and thanking him for his lifetime of service. To connect with Dr. Dvoskin or to send your congratulations, please visit IACFP’s LinkedIn page.
About the Award: The Joel C. Frost Citizen Psychologist for Social Justice Award is presented annually by the ABPP to individuals who utilize their psychological expertise to advocate for social justice, human rights, and systemic reform outside of traditional clinical settings. Read more here.
Organizational Leadership Update
30 June 2026
IACFP’s Board of Directors would like to share a brief update regarding the Executive Director position.
At the close of 2025, IACFP’s Executive Director chose not to renew their contract with the organization. We once again would like to thank Cherie Townsend for her years of dedication, service, and exemplary representation of the association. The Board took the lead in maintaining IACFP leadership and the strategic plan while concurrently contracting with an Interim Executive Coordinator to support day-to-day operations as it evaluated next steps for filling the role. After careful deliberation, the Board has identified four qualified candidates, including two internal individuals and two organizations, whose qualifications align with our bylaws, organizational values, and strategic plan. A selection committee is being formed to thoroughly review candidates, ensure continued alignment with IACFP values and bylaws. The selection committee will provide recommendations to the full Board, which will make the final determination.
In the meantime, IACFP’s operations and member services will continue without interruption, supported by the Board and our Interim Executive Coordinator. The Board is committed to a thoughtful process and will share updates as decisions are made.
Webinar: Fireside Chat with Dr. Frank Porporino
We are thrilled to share that our recent webinar, featuring the insightful Dr. Frank Porporino, was a resounding success!
Initially designed as an informal session for our members to engage with one of the leading voices in our field, the event focused on the real-world challenges, dilemmas, and opportunities facing correctional psychology today. Rather than a data-heavy lecture, Frank provided a candid dialogue about his journey in the profession and his perspectives on where we are headed.
Available to the Entire Community:
Following the event, we received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from attendees who found the discussion both grounding and inspiring. We also had several requests for viewers to be able to share with their colleagues. Because of this response, we have decided to make the session available to our entire IACFP community! Whether you missed the live broadcast or want to revisit the discussion, you can now access the full recording here.
Thank you for your continued engagement and for making these sessions so impactful! Keep an eye out on our events page for more of these interactive, expert-led dialogues.
IACFP 2026 Distinguished Scholar: Dr. Chi Meng Chu
Dr. Chu is a leading voice in correctional and forensic psychology, currently serving as the Group Director of the Strategy and Research Group and Senior Principal Clinical and Forensic Psychologist at the National Council of Social Service in Singapore. His career is a testament to the power of mentorship and evidence-based practice, having grown a small two-person initiative into a robust team of nearly 40 researchers.
Key Highlights:
- Global Impact: Dr. Chu represented IACFP at the International Research in Corrections Conference (IRCC) in Auckland, New Zealand, where he discussed rehabilitation strategies across Asia and non-Western approaches to criminal justice.
- Bridging the Gap: He has been instrumental in developing forensic mental health programs for both youth and adult probationers, using national datasets to shape services at a systemic level.
- Words of Wisdom: For those entering the field, Dr. Chu emphasizes the importance of transparency in multidisciplinary teams and the necessity of self-care to sustain a long-term, impactful career.
“Remember your purpose and the people you serve. Don’t be afraid to speak up or seek support.”
— Dr. Chi Meng Chu
Read more here.
