Journal of Forensic Practice
Scope & Guideline
Bridging Law and Science for a Safer Tomorrow
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Forensic Psychology and Assessment:
The journal emphasizes research that explores psychological assessments and interventions within forensic settings, including evaluations of mental health disorders in offenders and the development of assessment tools. - Mental Health and Criminal Justice:
A core focus is on the relationship between mental health and criminal behavior, including studies on the experiences of individuals in secure mental health facilities and the impact of mental illness on offending. - Rehabilitation and Desistance:
The journal highlights research on rehabilitation programs, the processes of desistance from crime, and factors influencing successful re-entry into society, particularly for those with a history of offending. - Victims and Offenders:
Research that examines the psychological and social dynamics between victims and offenders, including restorative justice practices and victim empathy, is a significant theme. - Innovative Interventions:
The journal features studies on innovative therapeutic and rehabilitative approaches in forensic settings, including mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and the use of animal-assisted interventions.
Trending and Emerging
- Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic:
Recent publications increasingly focus on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health services, prison environments, and the experiences of both staff and patients, highlighting the need for adaptive practices in forensic settings. - Trauma-Informed Care:
There is a growing emphasis on trauma-informed approaches in forensic practice, with research exploring how understanding trauma can improve treatment and rehabilitation outcomes for offenders. - Youth Offending and Vulnerability:
Emerging studies are paying more attention to youth offenders, particularly those with vulnerabilities such as autism spectrum disorder and mental health issues, reflecting a trend towards understanding the unique needs of younger populations. - Restorative Justice Practices:
Research into restorative justice is gaining traction, with studies examining its effectiveness and the perceptions of those involved, including volunteers and victims, suggesting a shift towards more holistic approaches to justice. - Mental Health in Correctional Settings:
A notable trend is the exploration of mental health issues within correctional environments, including the experiences of prison staff and the implementation of mental health interventions, indicating a comprehensive approach to well-being in these settings.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Crime Theories:
There is a noticeable decline in the publication of research focused on classical criminology theories. Instead, the journal is moving towards more contemporary and integrative approaches that consider psychological and social factors. - Generalized Offender Profiles:
Research centered around broad offender profiling techniques appears to be waning. The journal is increasingly favoring more nuanced studies that consider specific contexts, such as mental health status and individual experiences. - Cybercrime and Technology-related Offenses:
Although still relevant, there has been a reduction in the number of studies specifically addressing cybercrime and technology-related offenses, possibly indicating a shift towards more traditional forms of offending in the current research landscape.
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