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
Research Summary: Canada’s Correctional Officers Identify Sources of Workplace Stress
A recent study published in Criminal Justice and Behavior examines how correctional officers in Canada define and experience stress within their jobs. This qualitative study, conducted by Marcella Siqueira Cassiano and Rosemary Ricciardelli, found that staff, not incarcerated individuals, were the main source of stress among those interviewed. Background "The literature on stress in correctional work is vast, primarily quantitative, and mostly based on studies conducted in the United States." Past studies on correctional officers have demonstrated that stress levels identified by those in this line of work are typically high due their "continued exposure to suffering, harm, and … [Read more...] about Research Summary: Canada’s Correctional Officers Identify Sources of Workplace Stress
Summary: New Model for Corrections Tackles Self-Injury and Suicide Prevention
A 2022 article by Robert J. Cramer, Andréa R. Kaniuka, and Lewis J. Peiper—published in Psychological Services—provides a self-injury and suicide prevention model for corrections, with the goal of providing evidence-based training and and practical guidance for correctional mental health providers. Here, we summarize the article, highlighting key elements useful for practitioners in the field. Self-Directed Violence in Corrections Self-directed violence (SDV) includes both self-injury and suicide and "is a pressing health matter in correctional settings." While suicide always carries with it the intent to terminate one's life, self-injury is intentional but nonsuicidal and can be … [Read more...] about Summary: New Model for Corrections Tackles Self-Injury and Suicide Prevention
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
Understanding the Importance of Gender-Responsive Practices
It is crucial for agencies to provide gender-specific custody and supervision training to learn how to appropriately respond and motivate their positive behavior. Women are held accountable for their behaviors, but done so in a gender-responsive and trauma-informed manner. In this article, we discuss the need for gender-responsive care, successful approaches being utilized in justice settings, and considerations for future research and programs. Why Gender-Responsive? Women are the fastest growing group within the criminal justice system (Zeng, 2020). While men remain the majority of persons involved in the criminal justice system, the number of justice-involved women has grown … [Read more...] about Understanding the Importance of Gender-Responsive Practices
Research Summary on Protective Factors: How Gender and Empathy Impact Recidivism Among Youth
In its May issue, Criminal Justice and Behavior published new research focusing on whether the protective factor of empathy can reduce recidivism among formerly incarcerated youth and how that might differ when intersected with gender identity. Here, we summarize the research background, purpose, design and analysis, and key findings. The original article - authored by Chelsey S. Narvey, Katherine L. Perez, Kevin T. Wolff, Michael T. Baglivio, and Alex R. Piquero - is entitled "Gender Differences in the Empathy–Recidivism Relationship" and can be accessed here. Background for the Study Empathy has long been considered by psychologists to be an important component of prosocial … [Read more...] about Research Summary on Protective Factors: How Gender and Empathy Impact Recidivism Among Youth
Research Summary: Personality Disorder Treatment for Incarcerated Populations
New research has been published in Criminal Justice and Behavior examining the efficacy of personality disorder treatment for incarcerated individuals. The study—conducted in the United Kingdom by Nicholas Blagden, Jacquie Evans, Lloyd Gould, Naomi Murphy, Laura Hamilton, Chloe Tolley, and Kyra Wardle—identified three key themes related to the impact and experience of personality disorder treatment received by those during incarceration in a high-security facility. Here, we summarize the research background, purpose, method and design, findings, and considerations for future studies. The full article entitled, "The People Who Leave Here Are Not the People Who Arrived.” A Qualitative Analysis … [Read more...] about Research Summary: Personality Disorder Treatment for Incarcerated Populations
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for May/Jun 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 May and June, 2023 include recent research; policy updates; considerations for practice; and upcoming conferences. 1. Research Recovering Identity—Criminalized Women’s Fight for Dignity and Freedom Cesraéa Rumpf is the author of this book that captures the journey of formerly incarcerated women from their identities as criminals and addicts to rehabilitated and positively contributing to their families and communities. It chronicles their stories and analyzes the aspects of the criminal justice system that … [Read more...] about IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for May/Jun 2023
Research Summary: How Accessibility to Behavioral Healthcare Services Influences Incarceration Rates
A recent study published in BMC Health Services Research examines how access to community-based behavioral healthcare services influences the per capita jail population. Here, we summarize the background, purpose, design, and findings of the research. The full, original article, entitled "The relationship between community public health, behavioral health service accessibility, and mass incarceration," is available here. Background Of the 10.3 million people incarcerated in U.S. jails in 2019, 45% reported a history of mental health issues. Those held in jails have been shown to meet the criteria for "serious psychological distress" at levels five times higher than the general … [Read more...] about Research Summary: How Accessibility to Behavioral Healthcare Services Influences Incarceration Rates
Rights of Prisoners: Differentiated Approaches to Persons Deprived of Liberty
On October 10, 2022, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights published its Advisory Opinion No. 29. The decision, adopted at the request of the IACHR, develops the need to adopt differential approaches in prison to guarantee the rights of prisoners in the following groups: (a) pregnant, childbirth, postpartum, and lactation women; (b) children living in prison with their mothers or primary caregivers; (c) LGBT groups; (d) indigenous people; and (e) older adults. The process of elaboration of the Advisory Opinion had an enormous number of contributions, which is demonstrative of its relevance. The Court itself, in exercise of its contentious jurisdiction, decided in the past numerous cases … [Read more...] about Rights of Prisoners: Differentiated Approaches to Persons Deprived of Liberty
Research Summary: Need for Probation Staff Training on Mental Health Disorders
A recent study funded by the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) features research by Professor Charlie Brooker, University of London, and Professor Karen Tocque, University of Chester, examining the knowledge about and attitudes toward mental health disorders among probation staff in Europe. Here, we summarize the research purpose, design, and findings. The full, original article, entitled "The European survey of probation staff’s knowledge of, and attitudes to, mental illness," is available through CEP. Background for the Study Mental health disorders are much more prevalent among those within the probation system in comparison to the general population, affecting … [Read more...] about Research Summary: Need for Probation Staff Training on Mental Health Disorders
