Course-based Service Learning in Forensic Psychology

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1 Course-based Service Learning in Forensic Psychology Dr. Margo C. Watt, R.Psych. March 23, 2010

2 Forensic Psychology [PSYC 380] 6-credit course that examines contribution of psychology to the legal process and explanation of criminal conduct; as well as, the role of psychology in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of offenders. Field trips, training workshop, annual conference Day), and Service Learning!

3 Objectives of Proposal Investigate potential community partners. 2. Research similar service learning programs elsewhere. 3. Establish connections and protocol for each placement. 4. Implement program.

4 Functions of Student Assistant 1. Research potential community partners. 2. Research similar programs elsewhere. 3. Research possible duties or services that students could provide in respective placements. 4. Research potential for student learning. Emma MacDonald

5 Potential Community Partners Courts Correctional Service Canada (CSC) Federal prisons Parole offices Provincial jails Victims services Transition houses Addiction services Services for youth Social services Mental health services Legal services

6 Implement Program Winter 2009 (limited) Fall and Winter

7 Winter Nova Institution for Women, Truro (x1) 2. Springhill Institution (x2) 3. Adult Friendship Corner (x2) 4. Antigonish Interagency Committee (x2) 5. Antigonish Department of Justice, Provincial Court (x1)

8 Fall and Winter Dorchester and Westmorland Institutions (x2) National Parole Board (NPB) 2. Springhill Institution for Men (x1) 3. Atlantic Institution for Men, Renous, NB (x1) 4. CSC Dartmouth Parole Office (x3) Program delivery

9 Fall and Winter Central North Correctional Centre (x1) Penetanguishene, ON 5 days; Program delivery 6. Grand Valley Institution for Women (x1) Kingston, ON 7. Westgate Correctional Facility, Bermuda(x1) 8. Dartmouth Mental Health Court (x2)

10 Fall and Winter PEI Forensic Identification Unit (x1) Document for recruits 10. Antigonish Department of Justice, Provincial Court (x1) 11. Adult Friendship Corner (x3) 12. Interagency Committee on Family Violence (x1) 13. Antigonish Crime Prevention (x2) RCMP

11 Westgate Correctional Facility, Bermuda Jessica Almeida: During my time there I worked on a report regarding a suicide that occurred at the facility and provided possible causes based on the institution (things the prison could have done differently, etc). I worked on a parole database, which gave me a chance to see the conditions of parole, and reason for revoking parole. I created a survey that will be given to the inmates upon entering, so that the institute can have educational attainment statistics. I also assisted the Chief Officer in drafting a proposal to the commissioner for a special task force regarding the prevention of drugs and contraband entering the facility.

12 Grand Valley Institution for Women, Kingston, ON Dr. Watt I just wanted to thank you for the amazing experience I received from this service learning requirement. I learned a lot, was able to apply things from class, and had an overall exceptional experience. If I could go back and do it again, and again, and again. I would! Thanks again! Kristin Kewley

13 Dartmouth Mental Health Court Hello Dr.Watt, I did my service Learning along with Emily (Atkinson) at the Dartmouth Mental Health Court. We got to sit in on court hearing, which included various clients with mental illnesses finding out what programming they would be put in and so forth, and for us to learn how the actual court worked. It was a great learning experience to learn more about what the mental health court is. We also had the opportunity to speak to a psychologist where we were able to ask any questions that we had about the Mental Health Court. Kristen Oxtoby

14 Antigonish Justice Centre Laura Piccinin: My service learning placement was at the Antigonish Justice Centre on James Street. I participated in a project concerning youth cases, in which I looked through several court cases and determined reasons as to why the case took longer than 98 days to go through the system. I then wrote notes on my findings that will be later analyzed by my supervisor, and used in developing new guidelines and procedures for youth cases.

15 Interagency Committee Dr. Watt, Tyler and I did our placement at the Interagency Committee and helped with Family Violence Prevention Week. This involved giving information to the public about family violence and to help those that are in this situation or those that know people in this situation. It gives them a chance to receive knowledge about organizations in the community that can help them. Natasha Timpson

16 Adult Friendship Centre Justin Stewart: My placement helped to open my eyes and enabled me to see the need for our volunteers in aspects of our communities that often get overlooked. It was an incredible learning experience and it was a great feeling to be passionate my about my work and help make a difference in the lives of others.

17 Erin Gillis & Kailee MacDonald Dorchester Penitentiary

18 Forensic Service Learning Presentations March 19, 2010

19 What have we learned? Flexibility is essential Potential program sites will change each year as students change Need for subsidization for students travel Marla Gaudet is invaluable!

20 Where do we go from here? Research Student conference Workshop

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