The recently published study “An updated evidence synthesis on the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) model: Umbrella review and commentary” by Seena Fazel, Connie Hurton, Matthias Burghart, Matt DeLisi, and Rongqin Yu — summarized within this issue of the IACFP Bulletin — takes a critical look at the RNR model, which has become a widely accepted model for managing justice involved individuals in both custody and community correctional settings throughout the world. Due to the findings expressed by the researchers, IACFP received several inquiries asking for guidance regarding the article’s content. The approach we have taken is three-fold: Summarize the article and its main points. … [Read more...] about Discussion: An Expert Panel Responds to the Umbrella Review of the Risk-Need-Responsivity Model by Seena Fazel, et al.
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Jul/Aug 2024
We've compiled top highlights from recent research, policy, and practice resources across the world for our latest IACFP International News summary. Our topics for July and August, 2024 include IACFP updates; recent research, policy, and practice; and upcoming conferences. 1. IACFP Updates IACFP 2024 Distinguished Scholar is Professor Mark Halsey Professor Mark Halsey from Flinders University in Australia will deliver the IACFP 2024 Distinguished Scholar Lecture at the upcoming ICPA annual conference in Singapore. The theme of the conference is “Enabling Desistance: Beyond Recidivism”. Professor Halsey has done significant research on desistance, including the … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Jul/Aug 2024
Interview: Dr. Orla Gallagher on Studying Violence in the Irish Prison System
Dr Orla Gallagher is a Post-Doctoral Researcher employed in the Irish Prison Service. Her primary project explores the implementation of an Expert by Experience role in the Irish Prison Service (IPS). She is also completing a small-scale project in conjunction with Senator Lynn Ruane exploring how neurodiversity is responded to in the IPS and sits on the national Homelessness in the Criminal Justice System Research Steering Group. She completed her PhD (in conjunction with the IPS and University College Dublin) in 2023, with her research focused on the management of serious violence and disruption in Irish Prisons. Prior to this she completed her MSc in Clinical Forensic Psychology at King’s … [Read more...] about Interview: Dr. Orla Gallagher on Studying Violence in the Irish Prison System
New UNICRI Report Provides Insight and Recommendations on Digital Rehabilitation
The United National Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) published the report Digital Rehabilitation in Prisons in March 2024 (available here). The document was written by Victoria Knight and Stuart Ross, consultants at UNICRI, under the overall guidance and editing of Mana Yamamoto, Matthew Burnett-Stuart, and Alice Roberti. An expert group that included representatives from academia as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations also provided input for the report. I recognized several of the authors and advisors as practitioner leaders in contemporary correctional psychology, rehabilitation, probation, and prisons. The report examines the potential … [Read more...] about New UNICRI Report Provides Insight and Recommendations on Digital Rehabilitation
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Mar/Apr 2024
We've compiled top highlights from recent research, policy, and practice resources across the world for our latest IACFP International News summary. Our topics for March and April, 2024 include IACFP updates; member access to SAGE Journals; recent research, policy, and practice; and upcoming conferences. 1. IACFP Updates Student Research Award Application Process Open The IACFP believes that rigorous scholarship provides the foundation to continue advancing our understanding of criminology and the justice system. To that end, we invite student researchers to apply for the IACFP Student Research Award, which offers two awards of $2500 each to pursue a relevant … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Mar/Apr 2024
Strategies and Solutions for Organizational Wellbeing
When Benchmark Analytics surveyed officers and leaders in corrections in 2022, they identified recruitment, retention, and burnout and officer wellness as the top issues they were facing in their organizations. As I’ve listened to individuals throughout the world who are working in corrections, behavioral health and rehabilitation, education, and public safety overall, these same issues continue to come up. Many organizations are introducing innovative methods to address these issues; however, most solutions focus on the individual correctional officer. This article focuses on a more comprehensive approach—organizational wellbeing. In January 2024, the Council of Juvenile Justice … [Read more...] about Strategies and Solutions for Organizational Wellbeing
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Jan/Feb 2024
We've compiled top highlights from recent research, policy, and practice resources across the world for our latest IACFP International News summary. Our topics for January and February, 2024 include recent research; policy updates; considerations for practice; and upcoming conferences. 1. IACFP Updates The IACFP Board has appointed Dr. Kristy Holtfreter to serve a three-year term as editor-in-chief of Criminal Justice and Behavior, beginning January 1, 2024. Dr. Holtfreter has previously contributed to CJB as an Associate Editor, Editorial Board Member, Special Issue Guest Editor (January 2016), author, and active reader of published content. She is the sixth individual–and the … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Jan/Feb 2024
IACFP International Correctional Mental Health Leadership Network
The IACFP International Correctional Mental Health Leadership Network (IACFP Leadership Network) was established in 2019. Its purpose was to: Provide a forum for leaders of correctional and forensic mental health: Learn about correctional mental health delivery systems around the world Collaborate in arriving at a set of principles for improving care for mentally ill offenders, both inside and outside of prison Promote ways to expand and to share the applied research literature on correctional mental health and Improve on the professional development of both licensed mental health practitioners and line staff (direct-care providers). Since the inaugural in-person meeting in Boston, MA, the … [Read more...] about IACFP International Correctional Mental Health Leadership Network
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Nov/Dec 2023
We've compiled top highlights from recent research, policy, and practice resources across the world for our latest IACFP International News summary. Our topics for November and December, 2023 include recent research; policy updates; considerations for practice; and upcoming conferences. 1. IACFP Updates New Board Members Please join us in welcoming Joel Dvoskin (United States) and Jessica Borg (New Zealand), new at-large IACFP board members. They will begin their 3-year terms of board service 1 January 2024. Joel A. Dvoskin, Ph.D., ABPP, currently serves as Assistant Professor (Clinical) University of Arizona College of Medicine, Independent Monitor of selected systems, … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Nov/Dec 2023
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Sep/Oct 2023
We've compiled top highlights from recent research, policy, and practice resources across the world for our latest IACFP International News summary. Our topics for September and October, 2023 include recent research; policy updates; considerations for practice; and upcoming conferences. Coming Soon… The IACFP Board is making changes in the way it communicates with its members. The first step will be the integration of Higher Logic, a member and customer engagement platform, into the website. This will provide an updated member portal, add the ability for members to engage with one another through the IACFP Connected Community (if they choose to do so), and create a foundation for … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Sep/Oct 2023
Book Review: Gripping Insights: Recent Psychological Research on Hong Kong Corrections
This book is a compilation of eleven papers written on the research and clinical practice performed by the psychological services section staff of the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department’s Rehabilitative Division between 2018-2022. The year 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the 40th anniversary of the Correctional Services Department. The release of this book coincided with the celebration of these anniversaries. As noted by Mr. Wong Kwok-hing, CSDSM, Commissioner of Correctional Services, in the forward of the book: “One of the strategic focuses of our Department is to broaden and deepen its research capacity. … [Read more...] about Book Review: Gripping Insights: Recent Psychological Research on Hong Kong Corrections
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Jul/Aug 2023
We've compiled top highlights from recent research, policy, and practice resources across the world for our latest IACFP International News summary. Our topics for July and August, 2023 include recent research; policy updates; considerations for practice; and upcoming conferences. Coming Soon… The IACFP Board is making changes in the way it communicates with its members. The first step will be the integration of Higher Logic, a member and customer engagement platform, into the website. This will provide an updated member portal, add the ability for members to engage with one another through the IACFP Connected Community (if they choose to do so), and create a foundation for future … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Jul/Aug 2023
