N/A

You will learn what research and practice have shown us are criminogenic risk factors for a variety of serious offence types, about which forensic psychologists provide advice and assessment in both criminal and civil cases. You will then learn about the Structured Professional Judgement risk assessment tools that are used by forensic psychologists working in both criminal and civil cases to look for, and assess the impact of, those risk factors in individuals. You will learn about the use of other psychometric tools which enable us to construct a formulation of an individual that includes responsivity factors such as intelligence. You will be shown how to conduct a forensic interview in a manner that establishes rapport between the psychologist and the individual, while encouraging the individual to provide as much accurate, relevant information as possible about themselves, about their life experiences, and about their offending and/or harmful behaviours. Using all of the skills and knowledge that you have developed thus far, you will then interview, and conduct a Structured Professional Judgement assessment of, a fictitious but realistic serious offender. Following this, you will learn how approaches to treating and managing convicted offenders have evolved over time, and the ways in which this approach can vary between countries and between jurisdictions. You will deliver a 10-minute section of therapeutically designed material to challenge offence specific/relevant cognitions and behaviours, in a way that helps you more fully understand the theoretical concepts behind the interventions used with offenders. After each practical exercise, you will be guided in writing a reflective practice diary entry capturing your thoughts and feelings about the experience. You will have the opportunity to seek formative feedback on your reflective pieces.

LO1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts relating to criminogenic risk factors.
LO2: Demonstrate skills in a range of forensic interviewing techniques that are informed by forefront developments.
LO3: Demonstrate skills in applying a Structured Professional Judgement risk assessment tool to partially assess a fictitious but realistic offender featured in a case study.
LO4: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principal theories and concepts relating to offending behaviour interventions for offenders.
LO5: Demonstrate skills in a range of offending behaviour intervention delivery techniques that are informed by forefront developments.