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 after nearly a decade of service, had dedicated his entire professional life to advancing prison and correctional services both in Australia and internationally.
Following his retirement from public service, Peter continued his commitment to correctional reform through his role as President of the ICPA, where he worked to promote best practices in corrections globally. It was our pleasure to work with him in this capacity. Not only was he a great leader as president of ICPA but was also a great partner to other organizations, such as IACFP. We are grateful for the opportunities he provided to us and to the acknowledgement he offered us for our contributions.
The statement from the ICPA Board said, “Peter’s legacy of humanity, professionalism, and forward-thinking leadership will continue to inspire correctional professionals around the world for generations to come.” We share their thoughts about Peter’s legacy.
Dr. Helen Fairley was an Associate Professor in Criminal Justice at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. She was President of the Australasian Corrections Education Association. We often exchanged articles for the ACEA newsletter and the IACFP Bulletin. She was particularly helpful to IACFP Europe on the REEDU project and connected us to potential evaluators. Like Peter, Helen’s legacy is one of humanity, professionalism and forward-thinking leadership. She had a unique way of bridging the distance between researchers and practitioners.
The Next Generation of Leaders
With this issue of the IACFP Bulletin, we are taking the opportunity to introduce you to someone who is a member of the next generation of leaders. Tia Tourville, has joined the IACFP as the editor of the IACFP Bulletin and will also be working with us on communications and other strategic initiatives to benefit our members.
Tia is a Ph.D. student in psychology (legal) at the University of Texas at El Paso in the U.S. Her dissertation chair, Jennifer Eno Louden, Ph.D., is someone with whom most of our members are familiar.
We were able to interview several candidates for this position who each had outstanding credentials. Tia, however, has the unique education in clinical psychology and the work experience of working as a corrections officer. She has worked as a forensic navigator/restoration educator and as a psychology technician/correctional officer. We expect her perspective from both research and practice will be very helpful.
With this issue of the IACFP Bulletin we are placing an intentional focus on practitioners and the bridge between research and practice. We especially want to share the research that practitioners are engaging in individually or through their organizations and in partnership with colleges and universities. We want to highlight your work and learn from each other. We also want to spotlight the next generation of leaders, particularly in correctional and forensic psychology. The theme for this issue begins that journey with a highlight on staff well-being. We look forward to your feedback and to your submission of articles for inclusion.
Cherie Townsend, IACFP Executive Director
