This article introduces the values and principles behind Growth and how penal reform can be realised through a Growth-based approach, emphasising the core conditions of transformative change. Gaining traction and building momentum for penal reform remains challenging; yet this article highlights how a new perspective on penal reform may help drive change and reduce social harm. This article proposes that prisons and penal organisations can be places of meaning, hope, and growth if core conditions of change are embraced to meet transformative ends.      Start with the Why Growth is not solely about the rehabilitation of prisoners but instead focuses on growing an organisation and the … [Read more...]

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world have had to identify, implement, and refine regulatory practices to help decrease the spread of the virus and mitigate the impact on healthcare facilities and personnel. A new rapid review conducted by researchers in Canada highlights strategies considered most effective in managing COVID-19 in correctional facilities and other secure units, specifically for individuals with mental health issues. Here, we provide a summary of key findings and recommendations from the research, published in Victims & Offenders: An International Journal of Evidence-based Research, Policy, and Practice. Research Context Measures … [Read more...]

Several months ago, Dr. Jeffrey L. Metzner was interviewed and asked about his career, advice to others in the early to mid-stage of career development, and recommendations for contributing to corrections’ system reform. He was gracious in his time and humble in describing the experiences that led to his current status of “expert” in the field. He was quick to point out the opportunities that he had to learn from others and how that may have shaped the trajectory of his career. Just the Basics Jeffrey L. Metzner, M.D., was appointed to the IACFP Board in 2018 and was recently reappointed to serve a second term. He received his M.D. from the University of Maryland Medical School and … [Read more...]

In this article, we highlight international research and resources for practitioners in the field that feature criminal justice reform, including items focused on criminal justice and behavior, COVID, and race and racism. Criminal Justice and Behavior Robert Morgan, Editor of Criminal Justice and Behavior, introduced “At the Forefront” to provide readers of the journal with a concise, focused, expert review of emerging areas of criminal justice psychology. This month the focus is on systemic racial and ethnic disparities and whether risk assessments exacerbate them. The article, “Racist Algorithms or Systemic Problems? Risk Assessments and Racial Disparities,” was first published … [Read more...]

Staff members in correctional facilities navigate a unique blend of challenges and rewards in their work. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, corrections staff well-being must be prioritized and met with effective organizational responses. IACFP recently brought together a panel of experts for the IACFP/ICPA webinar: "Staff Well-Being and Resilience in Correctional Environments - During and After a Pandemic." Here, we provide highlights from the webinar, including the impact of COVID-19 on staff, operational and mental health measures, coping strategies, and resources. The Impact of COVID-19 on Staff Although the work of corrections staff creates high levels of stress, the threat of … [Read more...]

There exists a population of staff working in the corrections system who all manage common responsibilities, services, goals and participant demographics. These individuals, whom I have titled "Frontline Community Reintegration Officers" (FCRO), facilitate previous offender’s re-entry into the community outside of a correction, or prison facility.  FCROs are an international workforce, operating in various countries including Canada, the USA, and Australia, despite utilising different role descriptors (e.g., forensic case manager, parole officer, community corrections worker). Staff falling into this category have received lesser research attention comparative to well-defined forensic … [Read more...]

Criminal Justice Reform & The Man in Black It was on July, 1972 that musician Johnny Cash (“the ‘Man in Black”), having already performed at a number of prisons in Texas and elsewhere, appeared in front of a Senate subcommittee on prison reform, and lobbied for criminal justice reform in America; an advocate position he maintained during most of his 30-year performance career.  Since Mr. Cash’s 1972 appearance, America evolved into a “tough on crime” society, incarcerating more individuals than any other developed country in the world—currently approximating over 2.3 million individuals,with another estimated 6 million individuals on legal supervision—and remaining the only developed … [Read more...]

We've compiled top highlights from news stories across the world in this month's IACFP International News Summary. Our March to September topics include COVID-19 resources and information, articles of interest from Criminal Justice and Behavior, emerging research, and resources for practitioners. 1. COVID-19 RESOURCES AND INFORMATION The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) has published COVID-19 Information and Guidance on their website. The materials on “Resilience:  Mind-Body-Spirit” are especially good for practitioners. The daily tip and other information can be viewed here.   The Psychology of COVID-19, How to Manage Your Mental Health and Take Back … [Read more...]

Welcome to the IACFP Correctional and Forensic Psychology Blog. Its primary purpose is to provide articles that are published in the IACFP e-Newsletter.  These articles are intended to share information and discuss professional concerns and interests. Contributions will be made by IACFP members and article authors. Posts will also come from interviews and current events in the field.If you have an area of interest that you would like to be covered in these articles, please contact executivedirectoriacfp@gmail.com.  … [Read more...]