NCJ Number
52223
Journal
Professional Psychology Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: (NOVEMBER 1976) Pages: 445-452
Date Published
1976
Length
8 pages
Annotation
THE INCEPTION, DEVELOPMENT, AND EXPANSION OF A FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM ARE DESCRIBED. THE NEED FOR DOCTORAL-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGISTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS IS CONSIDERED.
Abstract
THE PROBLEMS, FALSE STARTS, AND SOLUTIONS SURROUNDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HAHNEMANN COLLEGE'S PIONEERING PROGRAM IN 1973 ARE RECOUNTED. FUNDING, LACK OF DIRECTION, AND POORLY PREPARED STUDENTS AND AGENCIES ALL PROVED TO BE MAJOR HURDLES FOR THE PHILADELPHIA, PA., MEDICAL SCHOOL. BY 1975 THE PROGRAM HAD A SENSE OF DIRECTION AND IS NOW PREPARING DOCTORAL-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGISTS WHO ARE EQUIPPED TO WORK WITH COURTS, CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVERSION PROGRAMS, AND CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS. IN ADDITION THE PROGRAM SPONSORS SYMPOSIA ON SUCH SUBJECTS AS VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT, THE RIGHT TO TREATMENT, CONFIDENTIALITY, INFORMED CONSENT, AND REPORTING DANGEROUS BEHAVIORS. THE COURSES ARE DESIGNED TO SUPPLEMENT INTERNSHIPS WITH CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER CRIMINAL JUSTICE AGENCIES. WHEN STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM THE PROGRAM THEY SHOULD BE WELL EQUIPPED AS PSYCHODIAGNOSTICIANS AND THERAPISTS WHO UNDERSTAND OFFENDERS; EXPERT WITNESSES; STAFF TRAINERS AND CONSULTANTS TO JUDGES, COURT STAFFS, POLICE, CORRECTIONAL STAFFS, AND YOUTH STUDY AGENCIES; AND CHANGE AGENTS IN THESE VARIOUS SYSTEMS. REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (GLR)