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
Summary: Analyzing the Effects of Digital Rights in Finnish Prisons
A study by Pia Puolakka and Maarit Suomela–published in Edition #16 - 2023 of Advancing Corrections Journal–takes a look at how the Doris Smart Prison Project has been utilized within the Finnish prison system to increase inmates’ access to digital resources during their incarceration. As many social and professional aspects of modern society have become increasingly digital, deprivation of such access among prisoners is causing greater marginalization. The initiative to provide improved digital rights in Finnish prisons therefore aims to improve prisoners’ basic human rights, supporting their rehabilitation within prison and their reintegration in communities after their sentence has been … [Read more...] about Summary: Analyzing the Effects of Digital Rights in Finnish Prisons
Summary: Study on First Nations Australians in Correctional Treatment
An article by Meaghan Trudgett, Andrew McGrath, and Bianca Spaccavento–published in the January 2024 issue of Criminal Justice and Behavior–describes their recent research study on the experiences of indigenous First Nations Australians in the country’s correctional system, focusing on rehabilitation programs within the state of New South Wales (NSW). The study employed a qualitative approach, engaging in interviews with a small group of First Nations individuals who were either participants or facilitators within these programs. The authors examined the structures and philosophical foundations of such programs through the perspectives of their subjects and distilled these insights into a … [Read more...] about Summary: Study on First Nations Australians in Correctional Treatment
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
Transformative Lessons from a Small-Scale, Community-Embedded Youth Justice Remand Facility
Background The development and evaluation of a small-scale, community-embedded youth justice remand facility in the Netherlands have yielded transformative lessons. This approach, designed for a diverse youth population, aligns with a graduated justice system, balancing developmental needs with security. Over three years of action research, key insights emerged, reshaping traditional notions of juvenile justice. The article also underscores the imperative for youth justice settings to shift towards safe and therapeutic environments that cater to the specific needs of young individuals. The prevalent existing models are criticized for prioritizing security at the expense of care, … [Read more...] about Transformative Lessons from a Small-Scale, Community-Embedded Youth Justice Remand Facility
Navigating the Intersection of AI in Mental Healthcare
Background In the article Is AI the Future of Mental Healthcare?, authors Francesca Minerva and Alberto Giubilini explore the potential integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into mental healthcare. The article explores and unpacks the following key findings: AI's Diagnostic Capabilities Cost-Effective Healthcare Assistance Concerns of Dehumanization Human Dimension of Therapy Inefficiencies in Traditional Mental Health Care Genetic Influences on Treatment Response Bias in Healthcare Practitioners Ethical-Philosophical Considerations Shift in Placement Criteria Minerva and Giubilini begin their exploration by highlighting AI's increasing role across various professional … [Read more...] about Navigating the Intersection of AI in Mental Healthcare
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
Assessing Prison Support for Desistance: The Macquarie Assisted Desistance Instrument (MADI)
INTRO Background The criminal justice system has long relied on punitive measures, including incarceration, as a means of deterring criminal behavior. However, mounting evidence suggests that these harsh approaches may not effectively facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society. In light of this, a recent study conducted in New South Wales, Australia, has taken a significant step towards understanding how prisons can actively support individuals in their journey towards desisting from criminal activities. The study introduces the Macquarie Assisted Desistance Instrument (MADI), a self-report measure designed to assess the extent to which prisons contribute … [Read more...] about Assessing Prison Support for Desistance: The Macquarie Assisted Desistance Instrument (MADI)
A Comparative Study: Incarcerated Young Men, Masculinity in Prison, and Trauma
Incarceration represents a complex and challenging environment, particularly for young men. Prison culture often demands the adoption of certain masculine ideals, specifically masculinity in prison, that can hinder the process of trauma recovery. Background This article presents the key findings from a comparative study conducted on a cross-national sample of young Canadian and Scottish men from six different prisons in Canada and Scotland. The aim of the study was to explore the adjustment and experiences of young men ages 18–24 in two different systems for young adults: Canada, where young adults are housed in adult institutions with no specific young-adult regime, and Scotland, where a … [Read more...] about A Comparative Study: Incarcerated Young Men, Masculinity in Prison, and Trauma
Reprint: An International Exploration into the World of Mental Health in Community Corrections
The world of mental health in community corrections is a complex and dynamic one. Individuals with justice involvement and mental health issues face a number of barriers as they seek to reintegrate into society and pursue desistance from criminal behavior. Through qualitative analysis, this research uncovers seven pivotal themes that not only showcase the barriers but also highlight the essential building blocks necessary for the well-being of these individuals as they navigate their journey back to society. This research underscores the interconnectedness of mental health, community integration, and successful reentry. It emphasizes the importance of person-centered approaches that meet … [Read more...] about Reprint: An International Exploration into the World of Mental Health in Community Corrections
