Correctional psychology

Correctional psychology is a specialized area of psychology that focuses on applying psychology in jails, prisons, and other correctional settings. Typical duties include assessment, crisis intervention, staff training, administrative consulting, and group and individual therapy with criminally-involved persons. The goals of correctional psychology include contributing to the safety and well-being of staff and offenders by meeting standards of care for mentally ill individuals (see Standards for Psychology Services in Jails, Prisons, Correctional Facilities, and Agencies - IACFP, 2010), reducing conflict, and creating, monitoring and providing treatment and rehabilitation programs. Correctional and forensic psychology programs have become increasingly popular in the United States and Europe. Professional societies, including The International Association for Correctional and Forensic Psychology (IACFP, ) which publishes Criminal Justice and Behavior, a leading academic and research journal, as well as a newsletter, The IACFP Newsletter, for example, provide resources for aspiring or current correctional and forensic practitioners. The IACFP also provides an anonymous Ethical Hotline which serves as an additional resource for correctional professions.