We’ve pulled together a selection of international updates, research highlights and upcoming professional development opportunities that may be of interest to IACFP Bulletin readers working across prisons, probation and community corrections. If there’s something happening in your region that we should know about – news, research calls, webinars or conferences, etc. –please get in touch at community@myiacfp.org.
- International Updates
NEW PODCAST: The Forensic Update Podcast
Hosted by The British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology, this bimonthly podcast will focus on developing the field of forensic psychology by providing insights on a wide variety of practice-relevant topics. The first episode, released in February of this year, emphasizes complex issues in correctional environments, including dual harm, sexual boundaries, and neurodiversity in prison staff. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
RENOWNED PODCAST: The Forensic Psychology Podcast
In line with the introduction of a new podcast, we wanted to re-highlight a long time, renowned podcast in the field. The Forensic Psychology Podcast remains a cornerstone for practitioners, offering deep insights into the evolving landscape of rehabilitative practice. Produced by the Prison Radio Association and HM Prison and Probation Service, it bridges the gap between academic theory and the front lines of the justice system. It is a must-listen for anyone committed to understanding trauma-informed care and the human side of forensic work. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
New Nanaimo Correctional Center
The newly opened Nanaimo Correctional Centre in British Columbia, Canada represents a shift toward rehabilitative justice, featuring a design inspired by Coast Salish architecture that prioritizes mental health and addiction recovery. This modernized facility introduces specialized, trauma-informed spaces for female offenders (a first for the region) and utilizes the Guthrie Therapeutic Community model to address the root causes of recidivism. By integrating vocational training, such as a horticultural center, the campus is engineered to stabilize and reintegrate individuals into society rather than simply housing them. Read more here.
Maine’s New Operating Philosophy
The Maine Model of Corrections is redefining American rehabilitation by replacing punitive measures with a philosophy of normalization, humanization, and dignity. Under Commissioner Randall Liberty’s leadership, the state has pioneered innovative programs such as medication-assisted treatment for addiction and remote work opportunities for residents in fields like software engineering and grant writing. These progressive shifts have led to a staggering 80% decrease in staff assaults and a return-to-custody rate as low as 0.05% for residents who complete college degrees while incarcerated. Read a detailed description of these exciting innovations here.
- Research
Criminological Highlights, Vol 22, February 2026
The most recent issue of Criminological Highlights, published by the University of Toronto Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies, summarizes research addressing the following questions:
- How do Black and White Americans’ views of the criminal justice system differ?
- Does a more lenient system for pretrial release lead to increases in crime?
- Why is it in a prison system’s interest to try to attempt to reduce the security level of prisoners?
- How can conditions of pretrial release set people up to fail?
- What was the effect of “defund the police” movements in the US on police budgets?
- How did Islamic terrorism increase anti-immigrant attitudes towards other non-Islamic minority groups?
- How do programs designed to help people from acquiring criminal records disadvantage certain groups?
- Do short sentences interfere with the ability of offenders to get employment?
Read the full issue here.
Call for Papers
Behavioral Sciences – Special Issues: (1) Emerging Criminal Modalities and (2) DV on Young Victims and Witnesses
The Evidence-Informed Behavioral Interventions Tackling Emerging Criminal Modalities special issue is seeking empirical research and theoretical analyses that address modern threats like cybercrime and online radicalization. Submissions should focus on advancing “what works” principles to bridge the gap between emerging digital crimes and science-informed intervention strategies. Meanwhile, The Impact of Domestic Violence on Young Victims and Witnesses calls for papers exploring the psychological and educational effects on children in abusive households, with a particular interest in survivor resilience. Both issues are looking for robust, multi-service perspectives to help shape evidence-based responses to these complex societal challenges. The submission deadline for each issue is June 22, 2026 and June 18, 2026, respectively.
Behavioral Sciences & the Law – Fluid, Hybrid, and Unstable Extremisms
In this special issue of Behavioral Sciences & the Law, researchers are encouraged to submit original studies, theoretical essays, or case studies that examine the psychological and social mechanisms of these evolving extremist trajectories. The submission deadline for manuscripts is May 31, 2026.
- Workshops, Webinars, & Continuing Professional Development
IACFP Webinar: Managing Boundaries in Forensic Settings (Part 2) – Practical Applications
May 7, 2026
The second part of this webinar series emphasized practical responses, organisational supports, and training strategies when boundary issues arise. Dr Estelle Moore (United Kingdom), Jessica Borg (New Zealand), and Dr Ian Lambie (New Zealand) provided practical experience and expertise in managing this really challenging theme.
Keep an eye out for other events our website! The recording will be made available to IACFP members.
ITA Training Opportunity
The In the Act team (article featured above) has partnered with CONCEPT Continuing and Professional Studies at Palo Alto University in California to offer two webinars. The first is a complimentary 1-hour session summarizing the development and implementation of the training curriculum. This introductory session is a great way for correctional administrators and educational leaders to figure out whether ITA may be a good match for their agencies without loosening the purse strings.
The second is a two-part (3.5 CE hours per day, 7 CE hours total) train-the-trainer style session where we’ll review program goals, key learning tools, effective group facilitation skills, and practice delivering training segments in a safe and supportive environment. This session is more ideal for senior staff or educational instructors preparing to roll out In the Act after purchasing training materials.
Visit the links below to register:
Complimentary 1-hour session: August 10, 2026
1pm (PDT) | 8pm (GMT) | 4am (SGT; August 11) | 8am (NZST; August 11)
Full session (over two half-days): November 2 – 3, 2026
1pm (PDT) | 8pm (GMT) | 4am (SGT; August 11) | 8am (NZST; August 11)
- Upcoming Conferences
CRPOI Conference: Connecting Paths 2026
May 20 – 22 | St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Hosted by Brock University and the Centre for Research into the Processes, Outcomes, and Impacts of Incarceration (CRPOI), this free national conference explores how spontaneous and deliberate encounters shape our social worlds and influence collective understandings of safety, healing, and transformation. This forum encourages new directions for social justice and the mobilization of research.
June 16 – 18 | Helsinki, Finland
The 2026 International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services Conference in Helsinki features a robust program centered on global advancements in this field, including pre-conference workshops, virtual research poster sessions, banquets, and socials. A key highlight this year is the launch of a new equity and diversity pilot initiative designed to foster more inclusive representation within the international professional community.
NCCHC Correctional Mental Health Care Conference
July 18–20, 2026 | Austin, Texas, United States
The 2026 NCCHC Correctional Mental Health Care Conference in Austin centers on the most pressing challenges in the field, ranging from reentry strategies to treating serious mental illness and managing legal complexities. Notable highlights include specialized sessions on medication-assisted treatment (MAT), burnout prevention for clinicians, and juvenile care best practices.
American Probation and Parole Association’s Annual Training Institute
In Person: August 16 – 19 | Chicago, Illinois, United States
Virtual: August 11 – September 11, 2026
The APPA’s 51st Annual Training Institute in Chicago emphasizes skill enhancement through evidence-based methods and cutting-edge strategies for community corrections professionals. Key highlights include specialized workshops on trending topics, the discovery of new technological tools, and extensive networking opportunities for national and international attendees.
Connect to Protect – Children & Youth at Risk
October 5 – 6 | Athens, Greece
The Connect to Protect Conference in Athens serves as a vital international forum for strengthening child protection systems and addressing violence against vulnerable youth. The event bridges the gap between research and frontline practice, featuring insights from global leaders on safeguarding children’s rights in an age of digital harm and social crisis. Attendees will explore trauma-informed prevention strategies and rights-based policies through collaborative sessions and networking events.
International Corrections and Prisons Association Annual Conference
October 25 – 30 | Belfast, Ireland
ICPA is calling for submissions for its 2026 Annual Conference in Belfast, focusing on the power of collaborative partnerships to address rising pressures in corrections systems. The event will explore critical areas such as community alternatives, managing system complexity, and cross-sector innovation, with a deadline for paper submissions set for May 3, 2026.
