The Path Forward: Psychological Services in the Community with Justice-Involved Individuals and to Forensic Systems

The field of forensic psychology has traditionally been associated largely with forensic mental health evaluations prepared for consideration by courts and other entities, and far less attention has been paid to the development and dissemination of services and interventions that may be informed by such assessments. As a result, the majority of practitioners do not know how to go about pursuing such professional opportunities.

Responding to this need for more community-based services for justice-involved individuals and the lack of coordination, The Path Forward presents a detailed survey of different focus areas of professional forensic practice within community settings. These projects and psychological services are creative, expand boundaries, and offer a roadmap and a vision for the future of these areas as well as broadening awareness of what these services and projects are actually providing.

Covering the domains of assessment, intervention, consultation, and education, and written by leaders in the field, this edited volume offers detailed information about the development and delivery of key innovations and provides an excellent model for students, trainees, practitioners, clinical administrators, and others interested in cutting-edge work in this area.

Kirk Heilbrun is Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Drexel University. He is board certified in clinical psychology and in forensic psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. He directs a forensic assessment clinic in the Drexel Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, and the Reentry Project, which provides assessment and treatment services to justice-involved individuals returning from federal prison as well as services to individuals under the jurisdiction of a federal mental health court and individuals who have been exonerated following conviction and incarceration.

David DeMatteo is Professor of Psychology and Professor of Law at Drexel University. He is board certified in forensic psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology and the American Psychological Association. He is a former President of the American Psychology-Law Society and the American Board of Forensic Psychology and is the Editor-in-Chief of Law and Human Behavior. He consults with city agencies, state agencies, legislators, correctional facilities, and law enforcement, and he conducts forensic mental health assessments of adults and adolescents.