The Centre for Forensic and Family Psychology (CFFP) was established in 2010 at the University of Nottingham’s Institute of Work, Health & Organisations (I-WHO) with the co-operation of the School of Sociology and Social Policy (SSSP) and Institute of Mental Health (IMH).
The Centre promotes research and training, takes a public health approach and investigates the causes and consequences of family violence, child maltreatment and serious crime.
Collaboration
At policy level, members are involved in multi-sector collaboration to prevent violence through prediction, assessment and treatment of victims and offenders.
Nationally, members have links with the Department of Health, Home Office, NOMS, Police Services, the Youth Justice Board, the Health Professions Council, the British Psychological Society (BPS), the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and the National Offender Treatment Association (NOTA).
At an international level, members advise the European Commission, UNICEF, World Health Organisation and International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
Study opportunities
In partnership with Institute of Mental Health (IMH) at Nottingham, and in collaboration with Rampton Hospital, the Centre aims to provide a professionally accredited Master’s and Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (MSc/DForenPsy).
The Centre also offers the opportunity to undertake research for the qualification of MPhil/PhD in forensic and family psychology and applied developmental psychology.
Aims and objectives of the Centre
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To promote research and collaboration into all areas of forensic and family psychology from both a victim and offender perspective.
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To investigate attachment processes in child development and help prevent child abuse and neglect.
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To prevent physical, sexual and psychological violence in individuals, families and communities, including the workplace.
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To evaluate and synthesise publications in forensic and family psychology to inform professionals, policy makers and the general public.
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To enhance national and international links and collaborative work in the area.
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To promote professional training and communication by courses, workshops, seminars and conferences at national and international levels.
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To encourage individuals to become qualified Registered Forensic Psychologists working in the UK and at international level.
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To offer training in research methods and systematic reviews and to further knowledge about what works for offenders’ rehabilitation with and without mental disorders.
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To offer expert witness reports to legal proceedings in the UK and internationally and offer advice and training on child care and protection following the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
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To offer professional consultancy and advice.
Research and consultancy activities
The Centre consists of teaching and research staff, honorary staff and postgraduate research students from Institutes, School and Departments of the University of Nottingham who are concerned with:
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Assessment and treatment of sexual offenders
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Assessment and treatment of violent offenders
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Assessment and treatment of personality disordered offenders
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Child abuse and neglect
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Child care and protection (family-based care)
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Children in institutional care
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Child and adolescent mental health
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Crime reduction strategies
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Criminal justice decision-making
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Cyber bullying and crime
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Domestic violence between intimate partners
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Elder abuse and neglect
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Expert witness testimony in child care proceedings and parenting assessments
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Family attachment processes
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Forensic mental health and organisational issues (including occupational health)
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Influences of violence in media entertainment
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Links between family violence and crime
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Management and treatment of young offenders
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Mental disorders, addictions and crime
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Patterns of repeat victimisation
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Predicting dangerousness and risk assessment
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Prevention of antisocial behaviour
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Sibling maltreatment and parent abuse
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Street children and child abandonment
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Theories of offending and victimisation
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Trauma and victim to offender cycle
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Workplace violence