Authors publishing articles in Criminal Justice and Behavior (CJB) now include practitioner summaries to bridge the gap between research and practice in forensic and correctional psychology fields across international jurisdictions. Below, we highlight some of the most practitioner-relevant summaries which have been approved for publication in CJB, and may have already appeared in OnLine First or in a printed journal or may be scheduled for publication. In this issue of the IACFP Bulletin, included articles address a wide variety of topics, including victimization of incarcerated persons, considerations for community supervision, unique perspectives for justice-involved youth, and … [Read more...] about Criminal Justice & Behavior Practitioner Summaries for Sept/Oct 2026
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Sept/Oct 2026 Bulletin
This month, we highlight a selection of international updates, research highlights and upcoming professional development opportunities that may be of interest to IACFP Bulletin readers working across prisons, probation and community corrections. If there’s something happening in your region that we should know about – news, research calls, webinars or conferences, etc. – please get in touch with us at community@myiacfp.org. International Updates New Podcast: The Forensic Psychologist Podcast Introducing a brand-new resource for mental health and legal professionals: The Forensic Psychologist Podcast. Hosted by licensed forensic psychologist Dr. Casey Mangnall, this … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Sept/Oct 2026 Bulletin
Call for Papers: Special Issue of Criminal Justice and Behavior
Effectiveness of Correctional Interventions and Rehabilitation Across Contexts
Criminal Justice and Behavior (CJB) invites submissions for a special issue focused on the effectiveness of correctional interventions and rehabilitation across diverse populations and contexts. The issue is co-edited by Kristy Holtfreter and Mark Olver.
This special issue seeks to advance understanding of what works, for whom, and under what conditions in correctional intervention. Contributions may examine a range of approaches, including but not limited to cognitive-behavioral and other evidence-informed interventions, desistance-oriented, strengths-based, and recovery-informed models, as well as other emerging and established therapeutic frameworks. We particularly welcome submissions … [Read more...] about Call for Papers: Special Issue of Criminal Justice and Behavior
Effectiveness of Correctional Interventions and Rehabilitation Across Contexts
Foreword
While IACFP is very excited about its next steps on the IACFP Strategic Pillars 2025-2031, it is also sad to say “good-bye” to one of its drafters, i.e. Matt Epperson. Matt joined the board six years ago when IACFP was trying to increase its diversity not only internationally but also in terms of professional areas of specialization. They wanted another “voice” at the leadership table. IACFP specifically sought to find someone known for their research and practice in social work AND that aligned with the IACFP mission. They couldn’t have found anyone better than Matt Epperson, MSW, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and … [Read more...] about Foreword
Foreword from Cherie Townsend, IACFP Executive Director
Since the last IACFP Bulletin, we have lost two great leaders who were dedicated to improving correctional practices and rehabilitation outcomes globally: Peter Severin and Dr. Helen Farley. As we begin this new issue, which is focused on staff well-being, it is appropriate to first acknowledge our connections with Peter and Helen and their contributions to our profession. In August, we received the news from the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA) that its President, Peter Severin, had passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025. This followed a sudden and devastating illness. Peter, who had retired as Commissioner for Correctional Services in New South Wales in 2021 … [Read more...] about Foreword from Cherie Townsend, IACFP Executive Director
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for May/Jun 2025
IACFP 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 … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for May/Jun 2025
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Mar/Apr 2025
IACFP IACFP Sponsors Correctional Research Symposium 2025 IACFP is committed to advancing the voice of psychology in corrections. The Correctional Research Symposium 2025 offers us the opportunity to spotlight our strategic pillar of “Research to Practice & Practice to Research,” which is why we are pleased to support sponsors International Corrections and Prison Association (ICPA) and the European Organisation for Prison and Correctional Services (EuroPris) and host the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) in delivering this important event. For more information on CRS 2025, go to ICPA's website or EuroPris’ website. “What happens to imprisonment rates when a … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Mar/Apr 2025
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Jan/Feb 2025
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, 2025 include IACFP updates; member access to SAGE Journals; recent research, policy, and practice; and upcoming conferences. International News 3rd Annual Mental Health-Substance Use Health Report Card The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health issued the 3rd Annual Mental Health-Substance Use Health Report Card in January 2025. Findings that are particularly relevant for correctional psychology are the following: “There is no health without mental health and substance use health. … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Jan/Feb 2025
Moving Forward: New Members of the Executive Committee of the Board and the Board
As IACFP begins a new year, it moves forward with a new executive committee of the board and three new board members. Our president, Emma Regan, noted in her Foreword for this edition of the IACFP Bulletin that during the first meeting of the board in 2025, "we focused on the development of our new IACFP strategy. Key to this strategy will be: A strong focus on Continual Professional Development (CPD) for our members. Enhancing our international Mental Health Leadership Network. Fulfilling the potential of our IACFP Bulletin with an emphasis on engaging practitioner and student writers. A focus on IACFP modernisation, governance and organisational resilience. … [Read more...] about Moving Forward: New Members of the Executive Committee of the Board and the Board
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Nov/Dec 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 November and December 2024 include IACFP updates; recent research, policy, and practice; and upcoming conferences. 1. IACFP Updates IACFP Board Planning for Future The IACFP Board held their annual in-person meeting 28-30 October 2024 in Salem, Oregon, US. In addition to a business meeting and a facilitated strategic planning discussion to establish future goals, the Board spent a day at the Oregon State Penitentiary learning about the Oregon Way, including their behavioral health programs and staff wellness … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Nov/Dec 2024
Improving Staff Wellness: An Interview with Rosemary Ricciardelli
Rosemary Ricciardelli, Ph.D., is the Research Chair in Safety Security & Wellness for the Fisheries & Marine Institute at Memorial University of Newfoundland. She has written extensively about staff wellness in public safety organizations; specifically in corrections. This interview was conducted by IACFP Executive Director Cherie Townsend, and has been edited and condensed. Cherie Townsend: Currently, correctional systems are experiencing significant challenges with recruitment and retention of staff. In the past staff would work in corrections as a lifetime career. From your perspective, what has changed? Rosemary Ricciardelli:The prison population is changing. There's a change in who's … [Read more...] about Improving Staff Wellness: An Interview with Rosemary Ricciardelli
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Sept/Oct 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 September and October, 2024 include IACFP updates; member access to SAGE Journals; recent research, policy, and practice; and upcoming conferences. 1. IACFP Updates IACFP Board at ICPA Conference IACFP board members Diane Williams, Frank Porporino, and Gabriel Ong, as well as IACFP president Melvin Hinton and executive director Cherie Townsend, attended the ICPA annual conference in Singapore this past September. In this photo, the board members are with Dr. Mark Halsey, who delivered the 2024 IACFP Distinguished … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Sept/Oct 2024
