Division of Forensic Psychology
The purpose of the division is to:
- To further the practice of forensic psychology
- To promote standards of service, training, competency, and ethical conduct among its members
- To provide opportunities for professional education and training forensic psychology
- To safeguard the interests of the public and the profession
- To further collaboration between forensic psychologists and other psychologists
- To further collaboration between forensic psychologists and members and institutions of the legal system
| EXECUTIVE BOARD | ||
| President: |
Neil Grossman, PhD |
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| President-Elect: | Joe Scroppo, PhD | |
| Past-President: | Claude Schleuderer, PhD | |
| Secretary: |
Elizabeth Ownes, PhD |
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| Treasurer: | Bridgette Amatore, PhD | |
| Representative to Council: | Erik Moore, PhD | |
| Representative to NYSPA Legislative Committee: |
Roy Aranda, PsyD | |
| Members-at-Large |
Ann Winton, PhD Rafael Javier, PhD |
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| Student Observer | Hali Wood | |
| COMMITTEE AND COORDINATORS | ||
| Child Custody Evaluations | Robin Lynch, PhD | |
| Conference Committee | Joe Scroppo, PhD Chair Amal Madani, PhD Tom Caffrey, PhD |
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| Workshop Coordinator |
Sanam Hafeez, PhD | |
| Student Committee | Ali Khadivi, PhD | |
| Membership Committee | Bob Raymond, PhD | |
| Hospitality Chair | Bonee Price-Linden | |
| e-Bulletin Editor | Alison Bell, PhD Nazia Fyazi - Assistant |
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| Communications Coordinator | Nazia Fyazi |
Forensic Psychology – Fact Sheet
Forensic Division, New York State Psychological Association
The field of forensic psychology is broadly defined as the intersection of psychology and the legal system. Forensic psychologists have a doctoral degree in an area of clinical psychology and specialty training in forensic psychology, typically at the post-doctoral level. Forensic psychologists provide specialized information regarding legal issues and are frequently involved either in the court process or the treatment of court involved individuals.
When forensic psychologists are part of the court process, they provide information to judges and attorneys regarding the psycholegal issues pertaining to particular cases. They may be involved in providing evaluations of specific litigants or providing background information to attorneys trying cases. In most of their roles their primary responsibility is to help the legal system identify and clarify the psychological concepts related to specific cases.
Forensic psychologists become involved in litigation process in a variety of civil, administrative or criminal courts. They must understand the varying implications of each court process as well as having an understanding of the court rules and procedures in each jurisdiction.
Forensic psychologists also provide treatment for people involved in the court process. They may provide treatment for victims or perpetrators and this is a very different role from assistance in adjudication. In this role, the forensic psychologist may provide treatment to families in which there has been neglect or abuse or individuals who have committed crimes, including sexual offenses. The forensic psychologist must balance their responsibility to the individual client with the duty to protect society.
Forensic psychologists may be involved with jury selection, tort liability, immigration and disability issues, risk assessment and recidivism. in criminal cases. In family law cases (an area in civil courts) forensic psychologists may be involved with abuse; adoption; alternative families; divorce, including custody, relocation, and conflict resolution; elder law including estate planning; family business; guardianship; juvenile justice; paternity; reproductive and genetic technologies; and other areas such as termination of parental rights. With special training forensic psychologists may work in ways that resolve disputes outside of the court using alternative dispute resolution
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