Forensic psychology

Real-Time Alerts Enable HHUNY to Improve Transitions for Incarcerated Individuals in New York State

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 17, 2020
Hardware, Data management, Other Health, Technology, Practice Management, Managed care, Mental health, Medical devices, Hospitals, Clinical trials, Biotechnology, Software, Alternative medicine, Nursing, Health, Medical Supplies, Penology, Prison, Penal system of Japan, Forensic psychology

Netsmart and Health Homes of Upstate New York (HHUNY) announced the expansion of their collaboration together, to include the incorporation of real-time justice system alerts designed to improve transitions for individuals entering and exiting correctional facilities.

Key Points: 
  • Netsmart and Health Homes of Upstate New York (HHUNY) announced the expansion of their collaboration together, to include the incorporation of real-time justice system alerts designed to improve transitions for individuals entering and exiting correctional facilities.
  • Time is of the essence when someone is going through a major life change, said HHUNY Executive Director Deborah Salgueiro.
  • Approximately 20 percent of jail inmates and 15 percent of state prison inmates have some form of serious mental illness.
  • The use of these alerts will allow the organizations to be more effective in supporting individuals during significant transitions.

Intelligent.com Announces Best Master's in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs for 2020

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 9, 2019
Forensic psychology, Academic disciplines, Academic degree, Forensic science, Articles, Academia

SEATTLE, Dec. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 10 Master's in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs for 2020.

Key Points: 
  • SEATTLE, Dec. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 10 Master's in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs for 2020.
  • The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 131 accredited colleges and universities in the nation.
  • Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree.
  • In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master's in Forensic Psychology Degree Programs .

Abuse Survivors Aren't Codependent - They're Traumatized, Finds Study by Lovefraud Education and Recovery and University of Bridgeport

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Psychiatry, Human behavior, Psychology, Abnormal psychology, Psychiatric diagnosis, Psychopathology, Criminology, Forensic psychology, Domestic violence, Antisocial personality disorder, Personality disorder, Abuse

But counselors who understand antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy can effectively help survivors meet the challenges of recovery.

Key Points: 
  • But counselors who understand antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy can effectively help survivors meet the challenges of recovery.
  • "Counseling Intimate Partner Abuse Survivors: Effective and Ineffective Interventions," by the Lovefraud Education and Recovery team of Liane J. Leedom, MD, Donna Andersen, Mary Ann Glynn, LCSW, and Meredith Barone, appears in the Journal of Counseling and Development.
  • The study analyzes a therapy satisfaction survey completed by 104 survivors of intimate partner abuse.
  • Lovefraud Education and Recovery offers education to therapists and survivors about exploitative personality disorders and conducts original research.

Palo Alto University Acquires CONCEPT Professional Training, Expands Online Offerings for Mental Health Practitioners

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Geography of California, Palo Alto University, California, Articles, Palo Alto, California, Forensic psychology, Mental health professional, Mental health

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --Palo Alto University (PAU), Northern California's leading school of psychology and counseling, has acquired Consolidated Continuing Education & Professional Training (CONCEPT) Professional Training, aworld-class provider of premium online professional training for mental health professionals, with a reputation for excellence in forensic psychology.

Key Points: 
  • PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 3, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --Palo Alto University (PAU), Northern California's leading school of psychology and counseling, has acquired Consolidated Continuing Education & Professional Training (CONCEPT) Professional Training, aworld-class provider of premium online professional training for mental health professionals, with a reputation for excellence in forensic psychology.
  • "We are honored to have the brilliant force behind CONCEPT, Patricia Zapf, lead the expansion of Palo Alto University's continuing and professional studies.
  • Since its inception in 2009, CONCEPT has built a strong reputation by providing high-quality professional training to over 15,000 mental health professionals in 45 countries.
  • "CONCEPT programs offer providers in the field of mental health the knowledge and skills they need to become better professionals."

Nexus Services Applauds NY Court for Ordering Release of Mentally Ill Juvenile from Solitary Confinement

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Forensic psychology, Fiction, Torture, Culture, Solitary confinement, Human behavior, Canada–United States border, The Nexus Trilogy, NEXUS, NEXUS, Prison, Penal system of Japan

VERONA, Va., June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --Nexus Services, which fights to protect the constitutional rights of all individuals, today applauded a recent Court ruling in New York that ordered a prison to release a mentally ill juvenile from solitary confinement, finding the barbaric treatment likely caused irreparable harm.

Key Points: 
  • VERONA, Va., June 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --Nexus Services, which fights to protect the constitutional rights of all individuals, today applauded a recent Court ruling in New York that ordered a prison to release a mentally ill juvenile from solitary confinement, finding the barbaric treatment likely caused irreparable harm.
  • Nexus Services funded the lawsuit in this case, and plans to continue funding the case until the New York prison system is held to account for its barbaric acts.
  • Nexus also called for New York State Attorney General Letitia James to create an independent body to investigate abuses in the prison system.
  • Mr. Donovan continued, "Solitary confinement has been proven to be abusive, particularly in the case of minors.

Government must end use of pain-inducing restraint techniques and solitary confinement of detained children

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Forensic psychology, Torture, Articles, Health, Psychology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, National Health Service, Physical restraint, Solitary confinement, Mental health

Joint Committee on Human Rights publishes report on restraint and separations in youth detention

Key Points: 

Chair of the Committee Harriet Harman MP said:


    “The UK is under international and domestic legal obligations to ensure that children are not subject to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The Government must comply with its legal obligations and ensure that children in detention are not subject to solitary confinement or unnecessary or disproportionate uses of restraint.”
  • Most are highly vulnerable, many have multiple challenges.
  • The use of separation and restraint engages rights under the European Convention on Human Rights: Article 2, the right to life; Article 3, prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment; Article 5, the right to liberty and security, Article 8, the right to privacy and family life.

Report conclusions

    Report recommendations

      Committee Chair Harriet Harman MP said further:

      • Restraint or separation might seem to solve immediate problems in custody or hospital.
      • In some contexts the use of these techniques can amount to inhumane and degrading treatment and should be banned.

      Variety of institutions considered during inquiry

      • The inquiry considered several different types of institution which, taken together detain around 2,500 children at any one time: some for care, treatment or welfare reasons, and some because of criminal offences. Each type of institution has its own terminology and rules governing the use of restraint and the use of separation from human contact.
        • Around 1,200 children with mental health issues are detained in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Tier 4 units, under the mental health legislation.
        • Around 250 autistic children and children with learning disabilities are detained in Assessment and Treatment Units (ATUs), CAMHS units or other inpatient units, under the mental capacity legislation or mental health legislation.
        • Around 900 children are detained in the Youth Secure Estate under custodial sentences for criminal convictions: 650 children aged 15–17 in Youth Offenders’ Institutes (YOIs); 130 children aged 15–17 years in Secure Training Centres (STCs); and 120 children aged 10–14 years in Secure Children's Homes (SCHs).
        • Around 100 children aged 10–14 years are detained in Secure Children's Homes (SCHs) for welfare reasons. 


        Data shows that children are restrained too often, with thousands of unjustified restraints each year, and that separation is also used too often – with rates of restraint and separation even higher for BAME children. The issue is that staff move too quickly to use restraint or separation.  

      Harriet Harman MP said:

      • They must be supported to use better alternatives wherever possible.
      • They must be supported to use better alternatives wherever possible.
      • Data is presented in ways that make it harder to interpret and the use of different definitions makes it harder to compare between different types of institutions.
      • The report recommends that data collection must be improved, and data about all types of restraint and separation should be published.

      Further information

      Government must end use of pain-inducing restraint techniques and solitary confinement of detained children

      Retrieved on: 
      Tuesday, April 23, 2019
      Forensic psychology, Torture, Articles, Health, Psychology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, National Health Service, Physical restraint, Solitary confinement, Mental health

      Joint Committee on Human Rights publishes report on restraint and separations in youth detention

      Key Points: 

      Chair of the Committee Harriet Harman MP said:


        “The UK is under international and domestic legal obligations to ensure that children are not subject to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The Government must comply with its legal obligations and ensure that children in detention are not subject to solitary confinement or unnecessary or disproportionate uses of restraint.”
      • Most are highly vulnerable, many have multiple challenges.
      • The use of separation and restraint engages rights under the European Convention on Human Rights: Article 2, the right to life; Article 3, prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment; Article 5, the right to liberty and security, Article 8, the right to privacy and family life.

      Report conclusions

        Report recommendations

          Committee Chair Harriet Harman MP said further:

          • Restraint or separation might seem to solve immediate problems in custody or hospital.
          • In some contexts the use of these techniques can amount to inhumane and degrading treatment and should be banned.

          Variety of institutions considered during inquiry

          • The inquiry considered several different types of institution which, taken together detain around 2,500 children at any one time: some for care, treatment or welfare reasons, and some because of criminal offences. Each type of institution has its own terminology and rules governing the use of restraint and the use of separation from human contact.
            • Around 1,200 children with mental health issues are detained in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Tier 4 units, under the mental health legislation.
            • Around 250 autistic children and children with learning disabilities are detained in Assessment and Treatment Units (ATUs), CAMHS units or other inpatient units, under the mental capacity legislation or mental health legislation.
            • Around 900 children are detained in the Youth Secure Estate under custodial sentences for criminal convictions: 650 children aged 15–17 in Youth Offenders’ Institutes (YOIs); 130 children aged 15–17 years in Secure Training Centres (STCs); and 120 children aged 10–14 years in Secure Children's Homes (SCHs).
            • Around 100 children aged 10–14 years are detained in Secure Children's Homes (SCHs) for welfare reasons. 


            Data shows that children are restrained too often, with thousands of unjustified restraints each year, and that separation is also used too often – with rates of restraint and separation even higher for BAME children. The issue is that staff move too quickly to use restraint or separation.  

          Harriet Harman MP said:

          • They must be supported to use better alternatives wherever possible.
          • They must be supported to use better alternatives wherever possible.
          • Data is presented in ways that make it harder to interpret and the use of different definitions makes it harder to compare between different types of institutions.
          • The report recommends that data collection must be improved, and data about all types of restraint and separation should be published.

          Further information

          Government must end use of pain-inducing restraint techniques and solitary confinement of detained children

          Retrieved on: 
          Tuesday, April 23, 2019
          Forensic psychology, Torture, Articles, Health, Psychology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, National Health Service, Physical restraint, Solitary confinement, Mental health

          Joint Committee on Human Rights publishes report on restraint and separations in youth detention

          Key Points: 

          Chair of the Committee Harriet Harman MP said:


            “The UK is under international and domestic legal obligations to ensure that children are not subject to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The Government must comply with its legal obligations and ensure that children in detention are not subject to solitary confinement or unnecessary or disproportionate uses of restraint.”
          • Most are highly vulnerable, many have multiple challenges.
          • The use of separation and restraint engages rights under the European Convention on Human Rights: Article 2, the right to life; Article 3, prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment; Article 5, the right to liberty and security, Article 8, the right to privacy and family life.

          Report conclusions

            Report recommendations

              Committee Chair Harriet Harman MP said further:

              • Restraint or separation might seem to solve immediate problems in custody or hospital.
              • In some contexts the use of these techniques can amount to inhumane and degrading treatment and should be banned.

              Variety of institutions considered during inquiry

              • The inquiry considered several different types of institution which, taken together detain around 2,500 children at any one time: some for care, treatment or welfare reasons, and some because of criminal offences. Each type of institution has its own terminology and rules governing the use of restraint and the use of separation from human contact.
                • Around 1,200 children with mental health issues are detained in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Tier 4 units, under the mental health legislation.
                • Around 250 autistic children and children with learning disabilities are detained in Assessment and Treatment Units (ATUs), CAMHS units or other inpatient units, under the mental capacity legislation or mental health legislation.
                • Around 900 children are detained in the Youth Secure Estate under custodial sentences for criminal convictions: 650 children aged 15–17 in Youth Offenders’ Institutes (YOIs); 130 children aged 15–17 years in Secure Training Centres (STCs); and 120 children aged 10–14 years in Secure Children's Homes (SCHs).
                • Around 100 children aged 10–14 years are detained in Secure Children's Homes (SCHs) for welfare reasons. 


                Data shows that children are restrained too often, with thousands of unjustified restraints each year, and that separation is also used too often – with rates of restraint and separation even higher for BAME children. The issue is that staff move too quickly to use restraint or separation.  

              Harriet Harman MP said:

              • They must be supported to use better alternatives wherever possible.
              • They must be supported to use better alternatives wherever possible.
              • Data is presented in ways that make it harder to interpret and the use of different definitions makes it harder to compare between different types of institutions.
              • The report recommends that data collection must be improved, and data about all types of restraint and separation should be published.

              Further information

              Former New York Judge Tom Swyers Releases Controversial Novel "Caged to Kill" About Solitary Confinement And Calls For Release Of Inmate And Change In Law

              Retrieved on: 
              Tuesday, April 2, 2019
              Forensic psychology, Torture, Human behavior, Solitary confinement, Articles, Humans

              Swyers said he was inspired to write the novel after the inmate William ("Billy") Blake sent him a random letter two years ago.

              Key Points: 
              • Swyers said he was inspired to write the novel after the inmate William ("Billy") Blake sent him a random letter two years ago.
              • There are about 177,000 attorneys in New York and one of these letters ended up in my mailbox."
              • Blake is reportedly the longest-held prisoner kept in administrative solitary confinement in New York State.
              • Swyers said, "It's important to realize that Mr. Blake is one of many inmates trapped in solitary in New York and beyond."

              Court Awards $20 Million in Constitutional Damages Against Canada in Federal Solitary Confinement Class Action

              Retrieved on: 
              Tuesday, March 26, 2019
              Forensic psychology, Torture, Human behavior, Psychology, Crime, Solitary confinement, Prison

              TORONTO, March 26, 2019 /CNW/ -In an unprecedented decision, the Honourable Justice Perell awarded $20 million in Charter damages to the seriously mentally ill who were subjected to solitary confinement in Federal prisons.

              Key Points: 
              • TORONTO, March 26, 2019 /CNW/ -In an unprecedented decision, the Honourable Justice Perell awarded $20 million in Charter damages to the seriously mentally ill who were subjected to solitary confinement in Federal prisons.
              • The class action was prosecuted by Koskie Minsky LLP in Toronto.
              • The representative plaintiffs, Christopher Brazeau and David Kift, were placed into administrative segregation multiple times while incarcerated despite being diagnosed with serious mental illnesses.
              • Justice Perell heard the summary judgment motion brought by the Plaintiff and Class over five (5) days in February 2019.