In 2019, the IACFP Board began to focus on community corrections as one of its priorities. Their goal was to advance research and support for effective mental health service delivery systems in community corrections worldwide. The first phase of this work was to conduct a literature review and to scan research and practice. The board then utilized their networks to reach out to jurisdictions around the world to build a diverse scope from which to examine and learn. The details of the scope of phase one were summarized in the April 2021 IACFP Bulletin. The results of the first phase can be found in the document, “Mental Health and Community Corrections: International Perspectives.” The … [Read more...] about IACFP Announces Completion of Report on Mental Health in Community Corrections

A new article in Criminal Justice and Behavior focuses on the use of a dynamic security model, which has grown in interest and application worldwide. For the article, researchers focused on the use of the dynamic security model in the Norwegian Correctional Service (NCS) and the perspective of incarcerated individuals on whether or not it has been effective in creating a rehabilitative environment. Here, we summarize the purpose, design, and results of the study, as well as recommendations for future research. What Is Dynamic Security? Dynamic security focuses on training correctional officers to use relationship building and open communication with incarcerated individuals to … [Read more...] about Research Summary: Norwegian Correctional Service Dynamic Security Model of Correctional Supervision

As explored previously in the IACFP Bulletin, virtual reality (or VR) has proven a beneficial tool for use in correctional settings, particularly for incarcerated individuals. A recent article by researchers in Germany, published in Criminal Justice and Behavior, Volume 2, Issue 50, offered a new application for VR: virtual reality training in criminal justice settings for personnel. Here, we provide a summary of their analysis on the potential areas and applications for an open-source training VR framework under development. VR as Training Tool "The ability to create immersive virtual environments is a valuable addition to common psychological and psychiatric research methods, … [Read more...] about Benefits of Virtual Reality Training in Criminal Justice: A New Framework

During the most recent IACFP board meeting, there was discussion on how exciting it would be to bring together past IACFP Distinguished Scholars to discuss criminal justice reform on a video platform. The opportunity was not possible due to scheduling challenges; however, Fergus McNeill shared a video with us that discussed the issues of community integration for individuals who have experienced the criminal justice system. This discussion involved three IACFP Distinguished Scholars: Reuben Miller, Shadd Maruna, and Fergus McNeill, as well as Marguerite Schinkel, Senior Lecturer, University of Glasgow. This article summarizes the video. Punishment and Reintegration The panel first … [Read more...] about Life After State Punishment: A Conversation with IACFP Distinguished Scholars on the Criminal Justice System

Front Row (left to right): Frank Porporino, Melvin Hinton, Diane Williams, Dick Althouse Back Row (left to right): Jim DeGroot, Jeffrey Metzner, Emma Regan, Gabriel Ong, Matt Epperson The IACFP Board held its first in-person meeting in nearly three years in November 2022. In addition to conducting the business of the Association, the Board spent significant time on developing their strategic focus for the future and tactical and operational plans. The board has identified three areas for strategic focus: International Strategy Professional Education and Support Community Corrections The international strategy is proposed to have five areas of focus: 1) geographic … [Read more...] about IACFP Board in Action: Back In Person After Three Years

A recent article in Youth Justice highlights criminal justice reform efforts in the Netherlands designed to take a more flexible approach to sentencing adolescents and young adults. Here, we summarize the reasoning behind these changes, including the challenges specific to a youth population in the justice system; lessons learned from the new procedure used by the Dutch; and potential implications for other countries in how they approach sentencing adolescents and young adults. The full article "Young Adults in the Justice System: The Interplay between Scientific Insights, Legal Reform and Implementation in Practice in The Netherlands" by va P. Schmidt, Stephanie E. Rap, and Ton Liefaard can … [Read more...] about Criminal Justice Reform: Netherlands Using New Approach to Sentencing Adolescents and Young Adults