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
IACFP International News, Research, and Resources for Sep/Oct 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 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
