The inaugural Forensic Mental Health Professional Development Program (FMH PDP) Conference Day is designed to provide a range of professional development and networking opportunities for the forensic sector, building on the FMH PDP training calendar. It also aims to showcase the research and people of the CFBS and offer an in-person experience for any students enrolled in one of our online courses. Attendees will hear from leaders in the field, and have opportunities to interact with academics, practitioners, and peers to promote better relationships across disciplines, and improve the outcomes of the people we work with.

The day will feature keynote speakers, presentations, and close with a debate.  The day will also feature a range of employers in the forensic sector present to answer questions about employment opportunities. Catering will be provided for in-person attendees. Full program to come!

Key speakers

Distinguished Professor James R. P. Ogloff AM FAPS - Executive Dean, School of Health Sciences

Rethinking youth justice in Australia: Getting serious about addressing needs and reducing offending

Whilst jurisdictions have seen a reduction in the number of young people on youth justice orders, the types of offences are becoming more serious. The cohort is becoming more complex with increasing rates of social, psychological, and health damage. There has been an increase inquiries and recidivism rates remain high. This begs the question of how we should be approaching the management and care of those in youth justice, particularly youth detention. An alternative approach will be discussed. The argument will be made that by shifting the narrative and focus away from containment and control towards intervention and support, we can achieve better outcomes for our young people.

Professor Michael Daffern - Director, Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science

With so much uncertainty about what works for whom, why don’t we encourage choice?

Significant advances have been made over the last few decades in how to work effectively with people who have offended. Rehabilitation models have emerged, risk and needs assessment tools have been developed and psychological ‘offence focussed’ treatments have been developed. Although the responsivity principle is widely known, rarely are people who are deemed to require rehabilitation given the choice to pursue their own goals and methods for change. This presentation will explore this idea and consider where choices could be offered and the potential benefits and risks of providing choice.

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