FPSY6511 Complete Course Latest 2022 (Full)

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 1 Discussion

Treatment of Forensic Populations and Professional Goals

The feelings generated when treating an individual in a forensic setting can range from sorrow to fear and nearly every emotion in between. Working with people who have been discounted by their own families and by society provides the forensic psychology professional with an opportunity to make a difference in the life of the person being treated as well as society at large. Unfortunately, such rewards can be hard earned. Treating forensic populations can be challenging, both professionally and personally. Forensic psychology professionals working in these settings must be comfortable with their surroundings, and recognize the benefits of doing this work as well as the risks that may be present.

The psychology professional working in forensic settings not only must have the clinical skills to practice in these settings but also must have a solid understanding and appreciation for the differences that forensic treatment settings present. They must also have tools for navigating the field of forensic psychology. You will find that the knowledge base, concepts, and strategies for treating forensic populations do not exist in a bubble and, therefore, you can apply what you learn in this course to different aspects of your professional career.

To prepare for this Discussion:

•             Review the Course Introduction and Syllabus. Reflect on the focus of this course as well as the concepts and strategies that will be addressed. Think about how these items relate to your professional identity and goals.

•             Review Chapter 1 “The Scope and Purposes of Correctional Treatment,” in the course text Correctional Counseling and Treatment.  Reflect on the focus of this course as well as the concepts and strategies that will be addressed. Think about how these items relate to your professional identity and goals.

•             Review Chapter 12, "Group Counseling in Corrections," in the course text Correctional Counseling and Treatment. Pay particular attention to treatment strategies and approaches for forensic populations.

•             Reflect on your personal values and beliefs, and consider how they will impact your work in forensic settings.

•             Think about the areas of professional practice that are of interest to you as well as the areas that present challenges to you.

•             Think about the concepts, strategies, and treatment approaches related to forensic populations that you read about this week. Consider how they might affect your professional goals and the attainment of these goals.

•             Reflect on your professional goals and consider how this course might help you meet them.

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 2 Discussion

DQ1 Law and Treatment

In any forensic treatment setting, there are legal concerns that impact practice. State laws guide how a professional is credentialed or licensed. There are significant differences between types of professionals, settings in which these professionals may practice, and in what capacity they may practice. For instance, social workers have different legal requirements for licensure than psychologists do. State laws for master's level credentialed professionals providing psychotherapy are different from those for their doctoral counterparts. Thus, laws related to practice are of interest to all professionals in forensic treatment settings.

Laws regarding credentialing are not the only laws forensic psychology practitioners need to concern themselves with when working in forensic treatment settings. For instance, legal definitions of confidentiality are important to the forensic treatment practitioner. Laws clarify who has confidentiality rights and privileged communication, and the requirements and limits of forced/coerced treatment. An awareness of various state and federal laws is necessary to ensure legal and ethical practice.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Review the Psychology Laws and Licensing Boards in Canada and the United States website. Research your particular state laws related to the treatment of forensic populations. (MY State is Ohio)

Review this website for any specific details that may be unique to certification in your state or locale as they pertain to treatment of special populations (e.g., sex offenders, drug offenders). (MY State is Ohio)

Review the information from your respective state licensing board regarding the qualifications to practice in your desired forensic setting. Note any special requirements for practice in the forensic treatment setting. Reflect on how this information might impact your professional goals.

DQ2 Ethical Dilemmas

Professional ethics provide the scaffolding for the provision of professional services. Ethics guide how individuals are trained as well as how they treat and interact with others. Ethical guidelines, then, affect numerous activities in which professionals are engaged. This holds true for providers from all professional groups who practice in the many forensic treatment settings available.

As a forensic psychology practitioner, you need a firm understanding of the professional ethics that guide your practice. Having such an understanding as it relates to your professional identity will prepare you to provide high-quality, ethically sound, and ethically informed professional services to the populations with which you choose to work. An understanding of professional ethics also reduces liability risks and provides you with a foundation for addressing challenges in a professional manner.

To prepare for this Discussion:

•             Review the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. Pay particular attention to specific principles and guidelines that pertain to the treatment of forensic populations.

•             Review the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists from the APA's Division 41 website. Note the guidelines specific to the treatment of forensic populations.

•             Conduct an Internet search and locate additional ethical codes related to forensic professionals (e.g., those who provide sex offender treatment or juvenile offender treatment).

•             Consider at least two ethical dilemmas encountered by mental health professionals who practice in forensic treatment settings.

•             Think about how ethical dilemmas might complicate treatment in specific forensic settings.

•             Reflect on how you would resolve each dilemma using specific ethical principles and guidelines from the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, and/or other appropriate codes of ethics.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post a description of at least two ethical dilemmas encountered by mental health professionals who practice in forensic treatment settings. Explain how each dilemma might complicate treatment in specific forensic settings. Finally, describe how you would resolve each dilemma using ethical principles and guidelines from the APA's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, and/or other appropriate codes of ethics.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.(links are below)

http://dx.doi.org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1177/0093854806287352

https://kspope.com/memory/ethics.php

https://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/forensic-psychology

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 5 Discussion

DQ1 SAMHSA link. Please use this link as an alternative:   

www.samhsa.gov/data/program-evaluations

 Discussion #1: week 5: Please answer the following: 

Post a brief synopsis of the research article you selected. Include the type of drug abused and the treatment approach used. Then explain which treatment outcome model you would use to measure the success of the treatment approach and why. Be specific.

My research article I selected is:

Substance use disorders and mental illness and the avoidance of relapse cases among sex offenders

substance use disorders and mental illness

A Self-Regulation Model of Relapse Prevention

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A brief synopsis of the research article you selected. Include the type of drug abused and the treatment approach used. Then explain which treatment outcome model you would use to measure the success of the treatment approach and why. Be specific.

Because the harm-reduction model was said to be the least studied of the three treatment outcome models, I felt inclined to see what research was available on this particular model. The research article I chose utilized the harm-reduction model to help in treating opioid use disorders. In this study conducted by Kapadia et al. did a qualitative study at a medical center in New York called Respectful, Equitable Access to Compassionate Healthcare (REACH) (2021). This medical center prescribes buprenorphine, a drug used to alleviate symptoms of narcotic dependence, to people addicted to opioids. They conducted interviews with leaders, staff, and stakeholders regarding the facility and regarding its substance use care. Participants discussed how the facility offers “individualized care” as a means to promote harm-reduction practices, as well as motivational and non-judgmental encouragement and informing patients about the negative repercussions of drug abuse (Kapadia et al., 2021). While the study suggests that further quantitative research was needed to strengthen the advocacy for this model, the participants noted that utilizing this model reduced negative stigmas surrounding people with substance use disorder and helped patients be aware of the facility’s philosophy.

Like the learning resource states, harm-reduction is very difficult to measure quantitatively; with this being more qualitative, it’s hard to say how other methods would have potentially yielded different results. A facility like this would have no trouble with the relapse model. One way to test the success of the harm-reduction model would be to compare relapse rates between the REACH center and another similar center in the area.

 the avoidance of relapse cases among sex offenders

DQ2 Applying Treatment Approaches

Knowledge for the sake of knowing is a noble concept, but treatment providers must understand how to apply that knowledge to real-world practice. Every drug offender brings to treatment his or her own history, set of circumstances, type of addiction, and type of drug abused. The treatment planning process must address these unique factors regardless of the setting, and each factor must be appraised when selecting a treatment approach and when considering desirable treatment outcomes. Most residential settings have standardized programs for treatment and many have treatment augmentation opportunities available for issues outside the scope of forensic psychology treatment in order to improve the success rates of desired treatment outcomes.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Review or familiarize yourself with the types and classifications of drugs on the SAMHSA Web site.

Review Chapter 17, "Drug Courts," in the course text Handbook of Forensic Mental Health with Victims and Offenders: Assessment, Treatment, and Research. Reflect on the different approaches for treating drug offenders in forensic populations.

Review the Week 5 Case Studies document, provided in the introduction area of this week's discussion, and select one of the scenarios to use.

Identify a treatment approach that you think best addresses the various issues described in your selected case study.

Consider the limitations of the treatment approach that you identified and think about how you would address these limitations.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post a brief description of the case study and provide details on the treatment approach you selected to use. Explain why this treatment approach best addresses the issues in the case study. Then describe one limitation of this treatment approach, explain why it is a limitation, and explain how you would address it.

Note: Put the name of the case study in the first line of your post. You will be asked to respond to a colleague who discussed a case study that you did not.

Case Study: Drug Offenders (please use this case study)

Case of Sampson

Basic Presenting Problem: Sampson is a 24-year-old single Caucasian male who has been referred for treatment services after he was convicted of possessing “crystal meth.” Sampson reports he has not used crystal meth more than six or seven times in the past. He reports his first use was with his girlfriend 2 months ago, and he has never used this substance alone. He tells you he has no history of addiction in his past, and no one in his family has a history of addictions either. He is employed as an assistant manager of a local bookstore and has no prior criminal convictions. He also advises you that his girlfriend is also in a similar situation as she is facing legal action for possession of crystal methamphetamine as well as prostitution. Relevant Psychological and Medical Information: Sampson was briefly seen by a counselor when he was an adolescent and his parents were divorcing. Sampson recalls these sessions were beneficial and helped him get through a difficult transition. His developmental years were normal and he experienced no significant difficulties. Sampson attended local schools and earned average grades. He went to the local community college for 2 years but dropped out when he got his current job as assistant manager.

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 6 Discussion

Violent Offender Treatment in the Field

Discussion question 1:

Please answer the following question:  Post a brief description of the research article you selected. Include the type of violent offense and the treatment approach used. Then explain which treatment outcome model you would use to measure the success of the treatment approach and why. Be specific.

My Research Article Selected is:  Substance Abuse Disorders Common Among Sex Offenders.

Mental disorders in a forensic sample of sexual offenders

A Leue, B Borchard, J Hoyer - European Psychiatry, 2004 - cambridge.org

… Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders were common among

sexual offenders, as were cluster B and cluster C personality disorders. While social phobia was …

Save Cite Cited by 162 Related articles All 9 versions

Abstract

Objective

The present study examined the prevalence of DSM IV axis I disorders and DSM IV personality disorders among sexual offenders in Forensic State Hospitals in Germany.

Method

Current and lifetime prevalence rates of mental disorders were investigated based on clinical structured interviews among sexual offenders (n = 55). Additionally, subgroups were analyzed on the basis of diagnostic research criteria, with 30 sexual offenders classified as paraphiliacs and 25 sexual offenders as having an impulse control disorder (without paraphilia).

Results

Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and substance use disorders were common among sexual offenders, as were cluster B and cluster C personality disorders. While social phobia was most common among paraphilic sexual offenders, major depression was most prevalent in impulse control disordered sexual offenders.

Conclusion

The results replicate recent findings of high psychiatric morbidity in sexual offenders placed in forensic facilities. Furthermore, differential patterns of co-morbid mental disorders were found in paraphiliacs and impulse control disordered sexual offenders. With regard to an effective therapy and relapse prevention co-morbid mental disorders should be a greater focus in the assessment of subgroups of sexual offenders.

A total of 461 male sex offenders were compared on their histories of alcohol and street drug use. The Drug Use Survey, Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), and Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) were examined to provide measures of 1) type and frequency of substance use, 2) mood on alcohol and drugs, and 3) alcoholism and drug abuse. Most sex offenders had used alcohol and they had tried a wide range of street drugs. Over half of the sample had tried at least one street drug, including minor tranquilizers, amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, narcotics, phencyclidine, hallucinogens, and solvents. Marijuana was used most. Over one half of the sex offenders were alcoholics, based on the MAST. Results of the DAST suggested that less than a fifth of the sample had a drug abuse problem at the time of examination. Although the majority experienced positive affect in conjunction with alcohol and drug use, between one fifth and one half experienced depressed affect. Use of alcohol and amphetamines were most often associated with hostile feelings. Amphetamine and hallucinogen use were associated most with paranoia. Respondents felt most ‘out of control’ with cocaine and hallucinogens. Results are discussed in terms of the role of substance abuse and violence in sex offences.

Discussion: Violent Offender Treatment in the Field

When violent offenders are referred to treatment, it is imperative that treatment providers recognize treatment process challenges and their impact on the selection of effective treatment strategies and approaches. Recognizing challenges to successful treatment allows providers to adapt their treatment approaches and the desired treatment outcomes. Clearly stated desired treatment outcomes are particularly important when working with violent client populations; you need to know what defines success for each offender. Does it mean the offender will never be violent or aggressive again? Does it mean the offender will do less harm to those around him or her than in the past? Or will successful treatment result in the offender not returning to prison with the conviction of a violent crime? An agreed-upon treatment outcome and ensuing successful treatment have implications for the violent offender and society at large.

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 7 Discussion

DQ1 Types of Sex Offenders

Sex offenders are some of the most feared and despised offenders in the criminal justice system, yet they are also some of the least understood. Due to the nature of the crimes that sexual offenders commit and the media saturation that can be related to these crimes, American culture has been considerably affected by Megan's Law, community notification rights for sex offenders, and beliefs about sex offender incarceration. Media depictions of the "worst of the worst" sex offenders put all types of sex offenders under one overarching label. Sex offenders, as a forensic population, actually are quite heterogeneous and there are substantial differences among the types of sex offenders. However, because of media representations and generalizations, it is not apparent in popular discourse how sex offender types differ. Additionally, because of these differences among types of sex offenders, treatment approaches and outcomes differ, too. Power rapists, date rapists, hebephiles, pedophiles, incest offenders, exhibitionists, regressed pedophiles, and sexually abusive individuals are all very different from one another and require different treatment approaches.

When it comes to treatment approaches and outcomes, it is imperative to understand the individual offender as well as the type of sexual deviance. For example, the power rapist who chooses unknown victims usually presents with predatory behavior, which may complicate treatment approaches. Each offender's offense history and psychology must be evaluated and considered when selecting a treatment approach and ensuing outcome.

To prepare for this Discussion:

•             Review the website Center for Sex Offender Management: Subtypes and Typologies. Consider similarities and differences among the types of sex offenders.

•             Select two types of sex offenders to compare for this Discussion.

DQ2 Treating Sex Offenders in the Field

Treatment of sex offenders occurs in various forms and settings: group settings in a correctional environment, individual therapy in the correctional environment, group settings in the outpatient setting, and individual therapy in the outpatient setting. While many sex offenders are mandated to complete treatment, some sex offenders are willing to participate in order to lead more normal lives. Treatment approaches, however, can be affected by available resources in a particular setting. For example, many offender programs rely on group interventions because of cost effectiveness as well as treatment efficacy.

In addition to group and individual treatment approaches, there are other evidence-based intervention approaches for certain sex offenders. For example, certain sex offenders may be good candidates for pharmacological interventions. The use of antidepressants, hormones, and various other pharmacological agents can help the offender to achieve greater self-control of their inappropriate sexual impulses. Some sexual offender treatment programs use biofeedback approaches that measure sexual responses. Still other treatment programs use a combination approach in which group therapy is the core of the experience, with individual interventions augmenting the treatment process.

One advantage to utilizing an array of treatment approaches is the amount of empirical research used to support, alter, or discontinue a given intervention. Many programs and approaches have been evaluated in several different treatment settings to address the efficacy of the intervention. But each study is unique in how it measures success, for example, recidivism, relapse, or harm-reduction. Fortunately, sex offender treatment is an area of research that has continued to receive attention as a result of increased interest since the passing of Megan's Law and other, similar legislation.

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 8 Discussion

Treatment Outcome Models with White-Collar Offenders

White-collar crime is not a new type of offense, though advances in technology have altered the scope and appearance of the crimes in this category. For example, in the past, credit card theft was accomplished by stealing the actual card or compromising the card by obtaining carbon copies of credit transactions. In addition, a less powerful Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enabled the easy destruction of many paper financial transactions. However, today's modern systems are filled with information that is stored and maintained electronically and thus can be stolen by a computer hacker. Therefore, in terms of identity theft and information-related crimes, people are more vulnerable to mass compromise today than in the past.

Modern 24/7 media cycles have brought a variety of white-collar criminals and offenders, from politicians to celebrities, to the public's attention. These new types of white-collar convicted offenders, while certainly not representing the majority of forensic offenders, have changed the landscape of forensic treatment settings.

With the increase of white-collar offenders in the criminal justice system, the forensic treatment provider has an increased likelihood of working with them in various settings. White-collar offenders present unique treatment opportunities that are not typical of those usually found in prisons, jails, or community custody treatment settings. Therefore, the treatment providers as well as the entire treatment system may be challenged by the nuances of white-collar crime and offenses.

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 9 Discussion

Juvenile vs. Adult Offender Treatment Approaches

Theorists such as Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson have documented the psychological skills and psychosocial needs of juveniles as being different from those of adults. Studies in developmental and child psychology reveal that there are significant differences between children and adults in terms of treatment processes and that children cannot, and should not, be treated as "mini-adults." Juveniles of different age groups have differing supervision needs as well. Even children of the same age may have significantly different needs. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the needs of juvenile offenders in forensic treatment settings are unique from those of their adult counterparts.

Restrictions in treatment environments often impact the overall treatment process for juvenile offenders. Juvenile courts may mandate treatment, and parents may refuse to be part of the change process. In addition, drug abuse, sexuality, peer relationships, gangs, and violence all can complicate treatment efforts when treating juvenile offenders. Forensic treatment providers must be acutely aware of juvenile (minor's) rights in their locales as well as the laws surrounding juvenile offender treatment.

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 10 Discussion

Post a sentence that identifies and briefly denotes the case you selected, along with the mental illness exhibited by the offender. Then identify and describe the treatment approach you selected that would be effective with this mentally ill offender. Finally, explain why you selected this approach. Be specific.

This is the selected case

Case of Julie Julie is a 42-year-old female who was released from prison after serving 12 years for drug-related offenses. She has been under the care of a mental health professional in some capacity since the age of 12. Eight years ago she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has had problems maintaining compliance with her medication regimen. When she has been “off her meds,” she is prone to acts of self-harm and self-medicates with illicit substances. Part of her discharge treatment plan from prison involves seeing a mental health professional who can help to address her psychological health needs.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 11 Discussion

Post a brief description of two components of suicide prevention and intervention approaches and programs that you think are important in forensic treatment settings, and explain why you think they are important.

https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pdh&AN=cri-28-3-122&site=ehost-live&scope=site&authtype=shib&custid=s6527200

 

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 1 Assignment

Comparison of Forensic Settings

The many different forensic treatment settings - prisons, jails, outpatient settings, community centers, and specialized treatment centers - provide many employment opportunities. Even within these settings, there are specific and differing programs that operate. For instance, a prison might operate a drug treatment program styled as an outpatient program, a residential drug treatment facility, a sex offender program, and general outpatient services, all in the same facility. In the outpatient setting, a forensic psychologist practitioner might be called on to conduct anger management groups, domestic violence groups, substance abuse services, and follow-up services with sex offenders after release. The diversity of practice experiences within the forensic system is impressive and sometimes even overwhelming.

But not every setting is right for every therapist. Some forensic treatment professionals are comfortable entering any correctional facility, while others might be more comfortable working at one security level but not another (e.g., a low-security facility might be more preferable than a maximum-security facility). There are forensic treatment professionals who find forensic outpatient settings similar to traditional outpatient practice and, therefore, more familiar and comfortable. It is important to assess and understand your own comfort level with the various forensic treatment settings before entering them and starting along your career path. One way of doing this is to consider the various settings and compare them based on external dimensions of forensic treatment. For example, how do the available resources compare between a maximum-security prison and a juvenile detention center? Are the practice challenges similar across the various treatment settings, or do certain challenges inhibit effective practice in one setting more than others? These kinds of comparisons can help you understand the potential challenges in a desired forensic setting. Comparing forensic settings can also provide you with possible interest in settings not previously considered, and inform you as to how external factors can impact your professional goals.

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 3 Assignment

Cultural Competency and Treatment

You know by now that forensic treatment settings serve culturally diverse populations. In this course and academic program, the terms diversity and culture are broadly defined to include not only race and ethnicity but also religion, gender, physical ability, socioeconomic status, and age. You need to take all aspects of culture into consideration when you select treatment outcomes and approaches. Because culture is so ingrained, cultural-related issues may not be readily apparent to the treatment provider or the offender. However, culture impacts the treatment process whether recognized or not. In order to treat forensic populations effectively, the treatment provider must be aware of the impact of cultural considerations and bring cultural competencies to the treatment process.

To prepare for this assignment:

•             Review Chapter 16 in the course text Handbook of Forensic Mental Health with Victims and Offenders: Assessment, Treatment, and Research. Reflect on potential cultural considerations and challenges related to working with diverse forensic populations.

•             Review the APA Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services to Ethnic, Linguistic, and Culturally Diverse Populations. Consider the importance of applying these guidelines to the treatment of forensic populations. Focus on specific guidelines that relate to treating diverse forensic populations.

•             Review the article "The Place of Culture in Forensic Psychiatry" in this week's Learning Resources. Focus on how culture may impact the treatment of forensic populations.

http://jaapl.org/content/35/1/98.full

•             Review the article "Ethics and Multiculturalism: Advancing Cultural and Clinical Responsiveness" in this week's Learning Resources. Think about the importance of diversity awareness as it relates to ethical standards in forensic treatment settings.

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 4 Assignment

Treatment Outcome Models

Before beginning treatment, practitioners are required to address treatment goals. Goals can be specific or broad, and range from cessation of substance abuse and regularly checking in with authorities, to compliance with medication requirements and avoiding specific locations and environments. Goals are usually developed in collaboration, with input from legal authorities, mental health professionals, and patients. Patient and community safety need to be taken into consideration as well. Goals for treatment are referred to as "outcomes." Outcomes need to be considered during treatment, during review of professional literature, and when evaluating the efficacy of treatments.

The three treatment outcome models are recidivism, relapse, and harm-reduction. Each type of outcome exists independently of the others. For example, a person may be considered a treatment success in the harm-reduction model even though he or she has had a relapse and has returned to the criminal justice system. Determining the success of treatment depends on the goals and desired treatment outcomes agreed upon at the onset of practice. Additionally, in professional literature, treatment outcomes often are indirectly defined. To comprehend the research in your field and to be an effective practitioner, it is essential to understand treatment outcome models and discern how these models are used.

To prepare for this assignment:

•             Review the course document, Treatment Outcome Models (found in this week's Learning Resources). Here :

Treatment Outcome Models

By Matthew D. Geyer

2009

Each of these models has utility, and each offers a different perspective on a problem and its outcome. According to the author of this manuscript, a good researcher, clinician, and student considers each model in a specific situation to get an idea of the “big picture” and possible approaches to treatment and measurement of success. Said another way, each of the models allows the clinical researcher to get a view of a particular problem from a slightly different perspective, which may help in the development of an overall treatment outcome plan.

A particular benefit of understanding and being familiar with the research related to each of these models is that it supports the clinician in effectively speaking about how “Treatment Outcome Models” by Matthew D. Geyer (2009). treatment works and helps him or her to set realistic outcomes for the client, the program, the courts, and so on. In the end, the best model is one that is used appropriately for the targeted problem or issue. This must occur in a climate that encourages an understanding, by interested parties, of the complexities of the treatment approach being utilized, and understanding how each model might or might not adequately capture the entire picture presented by the behavior in question.

Some Tips for Reading the Literature

The articles reviewed for any course in forensic treatment methods should be based on good science and research methods. As a scholar/practitioner, you should keep several key points in mind while perusing the literature. As a tool, the following questions to ask yourself are offered to assist you in gaining an appreciation for treatment outcomes.

1. What treatment outcome model is being used -- Relapse, Recidivism, HarmReduction, or a combination of all three?

2. Is the author presenting a limited view of the specific behavior by relying on only one model or on a model that is limited given the study? If so, what might this do to the results presented as well as the conclusions drawn?

3. Are there any risks to the author (or organization) if one type of treatment outcome model is considered? Would these risks create bias or inaccurate conclusions?

4. If the study reviewed was to be replicated using a different model, how might the results be similar and/or different?

These are four basic questions that can assist you in reading the outcome literature to provide a deeper understanding of the article as it relates to treatment outcomes. One Final Caveat The three treatment outcome models discussed not only have implications for the clinician and the forensic settings in which they work but also have very real meanings to the people who are undergoing the treatment. Sandy Lee presents a complicated case in that she was returned to prison for a parole violation, lost time with her children, lost the support of her boyfriend, and lost her freedom. Regardless of the model used to measure success of the treatment program, these are very real experiences for the person receiving treatment in the forensic treatment venue.

Treatment outcomes often are reported as facts in the literature. They are presented as numbers and results that remove any personal identifying information. A clinician in the forensic treatment setting, losing sight of the human cost to the client and the affected families, can become less potent as a care provider. While this does not mean a

clinician acts to prevent natural and appropriate consequences for behavior, it does call on forensic treatment professionals to remain invested in understanding the individual “Treatment Outcome Models” by Matthew D. Geyer (2009). experience of their clients and how treatment outcomes might impact their lives and the lives of those around them.

•             Review Chapter 21, "Aftercare and Recidivism Prevention," in the course text Handbook of Forensic Mental Health with Victims and Offenders: Assessment, Treatment, and Research. Pay attention to the effective uses of treatment outcome models with forensic populations.

•             Review the article "Guilt and Shame as Predictors of Recidivism: A Longitudinal Study with Young Prisoners" in this week's Learning Resources. Focus on using the recidivism treatment outcome model with the treatment of forensic populations.

•             Review the article "A Study of Methadone Maintenance for Male Prisoners: 3-Month Postrelease Outcomes" in this week's Learning Resources. Consider how the choice of treatment outcome models impacts the effectiveness of treatments used with forensic populations

•             Review the article "Adult Sex Offenders on Community Supervision: A Review of Recent Assessment Strategies and Treatment" in this week's Learning Resources. Focus on the distinctions among the three treatment outcome models used in the treatment of forensic population

•             Focus on the similarities and differences among the three treatment outcome models in terms of relevance in defining treatment success and/or failure with specific forensic populations, challenges in application, and advantages of using each model.

The assignment (2–3 pages):

•             Briefly describe each of the three treatment outcome models: recidivism, relapse, and harm-reduction.

•             Compare (similarities and differences) the three treatment outcome models in terms of relevance in defining treatment success and/or failure with specific forensic populations, challenges in application, and advantages of each model.

•             Explain at least one conclusion you drew or insight you gained as a result of your comparison.

Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 6 Assignment

Anger, Stress, and Aggression in Violent Offenders

Whether clinicians work in an outpatient setting, a community setting, or a correctional setting, they need to consider how the variables of anger, stress, and aggression relate to violent behavior. Anger and stress management treatment protocols are used to help and treat people who have been convicted of domestic violence, child abuse, gang-related activities, and other violent crimes. In order to maintain safety and deliver effective treatment, the forensic treatment provider must be familiar with the concepts of anger, stress, and aggression as they relate to violent offenders.

To prepare for this assignment:

Review the article "Understanding Clinical Anger and Violence: The Anger Avoidance Model" in this week's Learning Resources.  Focus on the relationship among processing stress, clinical anger, and aggression as they relate to violent offenders.

Review the article "The Role of Impulsivity in Antisocial and Violent Behavior and Personality Disorders Among Incarcerated Women" in this week's Learning Resources. The Role of Impulsivity in Antisocial and Violent Behavior and Personality Disorders Among Incarcerated Women

Irina Komarovskaya, Ann Booker Loper, and Janet WarrenView all authors and affiliations

Volume 34, Issue 11

This study investigated the relationships among impulsivity, antisocial and violent behavior, and personality disorders in 590 female inmates of a maximum-security female prison. Measures included the Barratt Impulsivity Scale, Prison Violence Inventory, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders Screening Questionnaire, numbers of institutional infractions recorded in inmate files, and violent versus nonviolent offending. Results showed that impulsivity was associated with personality psychopathology and aggressive and antisocial behavior. In contrast to findings of studies with male inmates, female violent offenders did not demonstrate higher levels of impulsivity than nonviolent offenders.

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References

American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition. Arlington, VA: Author .

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American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4th edition—text revision. Arlington, VA: Author .

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Barratt, E.S. (1959). Anxiety and impulsivity related to psychomotor efficiency. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 9, 191-198.

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Barratt, E.S. (1965). Factor analysis of some psychometric measures of impulsiveness and anxiety. Psychological Reports, 16, 547-554.

Google Scholar

Focus on the aspects of anger and aggression specific to female offenders. Think about how female offenders are similar to and different from general violent offender populations.

Review the article "Violent Men: The Importance of Impulsivity and Cognitive Schema" in this week's Learning Resources. Consider the relationship among anger, aggression, and violence.

Review the article "Emotion Regulation, Coping, and Psychological Symptoms" in this week's Learning Resources. Focus on the concepts of stress and aggression.

Synthesize what you have examined concerning the concepts of anger, stress, and aggression as they relate to violent offenders. Think about the implications of this relationship to the treatment of violent offenders.

The assignment (1–2 pages):

Briefly explain the concepts of anger, stress, and aggression as they relate to violent offenders.

Explain the relationship among anger, stress, and aggression.

Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 8 Assignment

Characteristics of Female Offenders

Leona Helmsley, Martha Stewart, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, Susan Smith, and Andrea Yates are some of the famous, or infamous, females who have recently spent time in correctional forensic treatment settings. These women were media "favorites," and while their crimes were certainly worthy of the attention, what is more telling and compelling is that these women exhibited many common features shared by female offenders. When considering what these and other female offenders have in common, it is obvious that such features have implications for treatment approaches, the treatment itself, and the measurement of treatment success.

To prepare for this assignment:

•             Review the article "Gendered Pathways: A Quantitative Investigation of Women Probationers' Paths to Incarceration" in this week's Learning Resources. Pay particular attention to common features that are relevant to female offenders, in general. https://go.openathens.net/redirector/waldenu.edu?url=https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0093854809334076

•             Review the article "The Natural History of Conduct Disorder Symptoms in Female Inmates: On the Predictive Utility of the Syndrome in Severely Antisocial Women" in this week's Learning Resources. Focus on gender differences related to the etiology of antisocial behavior and consider how these differences would affect treatment approaches. Burnette, M. L., & Newman, D. L. (2005).

•             The natural history of conduct disorder symptoms in female inmates: On the predictive utility of the syndrome in severely antisocial women

•             Consider the features common to female offenders and think about how these features affect treatment approaches and their treatment outcomes.

•             Select at least two of the features common to female offenders to use for this Application Assignment.

•             Think about the implications of these specific features when selecting treatment approaches and treatment outcomes that might be appropriate and effective for female offenders. Consider how these features would affect treatment itself.

The assignment (1–2 pages):

•             Identify and briefly describe the two features common to female offenders that you selected for this Application Assignment.

•             Explain how and why each of these features is common among female offenders.

•             Explain the implications of each feature on treatment approaches and treatment outcomes for female offenders. Be specific and provide examples.

Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.

 

 

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 9 Assignment

The Role of Family in Treating Juvenile Offenders

Children often are defined by the relationships they have with others—they are sons, daughters, cousins, grandchildren, students, or wards. These relationships are dynamic, and as children age they establish their identity and individuality independent of others. At the same time, children typically rely on others for guidance and support. The goal of a child's developmental process is to reach adulthood having the ability to act independently and responsibly in the context of established relationships such as the family. This is important to consider when selecting treatment approaches and providing treatment to juvenile offenders. In addition, it is important to consider the benefits and liabilities of involving the family or supportive adults in the treatment of juvenile offenders. Understanding how family can support or hinder the change process is an important consideration when treating juvenile offenders.

To prepare for this assignment:

•             Think about the role and importance of family in the treatment of juvenile offenders.

The assignment (1–2 pages):

•             Explain the role and importance of family in the treatment of juvenile offenders. Be specific. Use examples from the Learning Resources to illustrate your points.

Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.

 

FPSY6511 Treatment of Forensic Populations

Week 10 Assignment

Challenges in Treating Mentally Ill Offenders

In the study of forensic psychology, emphasis typically is placed on the individuals being served and their specific traits relevant to treatment. Forensic psychology professionals in forensic treatment settings must be familiar with symptoms of the myriad mental illnesses described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR). Additionally, treatment professionals must be well versed in the process of psychotherapy and other treatment approaches for the mentally ill. While many of the traditional counseling and therapy theories and approaches used with clinical clients also are appropriate for mentally ill offenders (e.g., empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness), forensic settings are not conventional treatment settings and may require special considerations.

To prepare for this assignment:

•             Review the Learning Resources for this week as well as the resources and consider the depictions of mentally ill offenders and the treatment challenges associated with them, the treatment approaches and programs available as well as the challenges to successful treatment outcomes.

•             Select two challenges related to the treatment of mentally ill offenders in a forensic setting. Think about the steps you would take to overcome these challenges. Finally, consider what treatment approach(es) best addresses these challenges.

The assignment (2–3 pages):

•             Identify at least two challenges related to the treatment of mentally ill offenders in a forensic setting.

•             Explain the challenges you selected and the steps you would take to overcome them.

•             Briefly describe the treatment approach(es) you think best addresses the challenges you identified and why. Be specific.

Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this week.