Author: B4U_ACT

Why call someone by what we don’t want them to be?

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Why call someone by what we don’t want them to be? The ethics of labeling in forensic/correctional psychology
Gwenda M. Willis
School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

ABSTRACT
Labeling a person by their past behavior or a criminal conviction is commonplace throughout forensic and correctional psychology. Labels including ‘offender’ and ‘sex offender’ infiltrate academic writing and conference presentations, names of professional organizations and treatment programmes and, at times, traverse therapeutic work. That such labels are frequently used and rarely advocated against suggests that helping professionals either (i) don’t recognize labeling as an ethical issue, or (ii) don’t consider it their role to challenge. The current paper aims to encourage critical reflection on the use of labels in forensic and correctional psychology. Key concerns are illustrated through a focus on labels commonly assigned to individuals who have sexually abused, where labeling is especially prolific. The scope of labeling is reviewed, and implications for rehabilitation and reintegration discussed. Next, an analysis of the ethics of labeling individuals on the basis of criminal convictions, past behavior or psychological phenomena is presented. It is argued that the use of such labels contradict core ethical principles including beneficence and nonmaleficence, respect for the dignity of all persons, and responsibilities to society. A de-labelling movement for forensic/correctional psychology and related fields is proposed.

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Call for Proposals for 2018 Research Symposium

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Research on Minor-Attracted People: Expanding the Focus
Saturday, September 22, 2018 (note this is a change in date)
Baltimore, MD
Keynote Speaker: Jill Levenson, PhD, MSW, LCSW, Professor of Social Work, Barry University

Proposals Due: Friday, May 25, 2018

Theme: Expanding the Focus

This day-long symposium will facilitate the exchange of ideas among researchers, scholars, mental health professionals, minor-attracted people, and others who have an interest in research on people who are attracted to children or adolescents (MAPs). A growing number of researchers and practitioners are realizing the inadequacy of common perceptions of MAPs and the importance of studies that move beyond abuse prevention toward understanding the development and well-being of MAPs. The symposium will address critical issues in the following areas:

  1. Identity development, mental health, and other MAP-centered issues
  2. Treatment approaches that go beyond prevention
  3. Funding of research and dissemination of findings
  4. Educating practitioners and students in mental health and human sexuality about MAPs
  5. Understanding and changing media portrayals and public perceptions of MAPs

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Jill Levenson, PhD, MSW, LCSW, is a Professor of Social Work at Barry University in Miami, FL, and a clinical social worker in practice in South Florida. Her current research focuses on understanding the obstacles to help-seeking for MAPs, as well as their perspectives on their counseling needs. As a scientist-practitioner and an advocate for human rights and social justice, her ultimate goal is to combat stigma by preparing and training therapists to provide ethical, competent, compassionate care for MAPs.

Proposal Submission Process

B4U-ACT is soliciting proposals from researchers, scholars, practitioners, and minor-attracted people. Each presentation should address one or more of the five areas listed above, and can be in any of the following formats:

  1. Paper presentation: 30 minutes, followed by 10 minute Q&A/discussion
  2. Panel discussion: 3-5 panelists, 45 minutes, followed by 15 minute Q&A/discussion
  3. Round table discussion: 30 minutes

The symposium registration fee will be waived for presenters whose proposals are accepted.

Please submit your proposal via email to symposium@b4uact.org using your institutional email address. Include your name and affiliation in the body of the email, and attach current CVs of all authors, panel members, or discussion leaders in Word or PDF format. In addition, please attach the following as a Word or PDF file:

[list type=unordered extra=]
[list_item]For a paper presentation, attach a 400-500 word abstract outlining the purpose, theoretical perspective, methodology, findings, and/or intended results. Include a title and list of authors at the beginning of the abstract, and sample references at the end.[/list_item]
[list_item]For a panel discussion, attach a titled 100-200 word description of the topic to be addressed by the panel. Follow this by the name of each panel member with a short description of his or her perspective or area of expertise relevant to the topic.[/list_item]
[list_item]For a round table discussion, attach a titled 100-200 word description of the discussion topic with sample discussion questions or other information about how the discussion will be structured.[/list_item]
[/list]

The deadline for submission of presentation proposals is May 25, 2018, and notification of acceptance will occur by June 15.

If you have any questions, contact symposium@b4uact.org.

Proposal Review Committee

Russell Dick, LCSW-C
Co-founder & Chairperson, B4U-ACT, Inc.
Director of Social Work (retired), Springfield Hospital Center, Sykesville, MD

Richard Kramer
Science and Education Director, B4U-ACT, Inc.

Maggie Ingram, MHS
Johns Hopkins University
Department of Mental Health

Allyson Walker, Ph.D.
University of Utah
College of Social Work

John Thorne, MHS
Johns Hopkins University
Department of Mental Health

Call for Proposals for Fall 2018 Research Symposium

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B4U-ACT is now accepting presentation proposals for its fall 2018 symposium entitled “Research on Minor-Attracted People: Expanding the Focus.” The theme of the symposium is the importance of studies that move beyond abuse prevention toward understanding the development and well-being of MAPs. The keynote speaker is Dr. Jill Levenson, PhD, MSW, LCSW, Professor of Social Work at Barry University. For more information, and instructions for submitting a proposal, click here.