Forensic Psychology (251036)

Learning Outcomes

-    Provide students with knowledge in Forensic Psychology, as an area of knowledge that presupposes the articulation of psychology with law and justice.
-    Transmit a systemic and integrated view of the main contributions of psychology to the justice system in its multiple aspects.
-    To contextualize the role of the forensic psychologist in Portugal, in the evaluation and intervention of criminal, civil and family law, with particular emphasis on the Law for the Promotion and Protection of Children and Youth at Risk and the Educational Tutelary Law.
-    Address ethical and deontological issues regarding the role of the psychologist as a forensic expert in court.
-    Develop in students the capacity for analysis, reflection and a critical attitude in relation to themes related to the theory and practice of Forensic Psychology.

Study Program

1.    Introduction to Forensic Psychology, a systemic and integrated view - Definition, contexts and practices.
2.    The role of the psychologist in the different judicial contexts - Practices of psychological assessment.

2.1.    In the criminal / criminal context: the assessment of victims and perpetrators - the assessment of the damage / impact of violence; recurrence / hazard risk assessment;

2.2.    In the civil context: the evaluation in the context of the processes of regulation of the exercise of parental responsibilities;

2.3.    In the context of the Law on the Promotion and Protection of Children and Youth at Risk: the assessment of possible abuse and parenting skills;
2.4.    Examples of forensic assessment tools;

2.5.    The forensic psychological assessment report.
3.    The role of the psychologist in the different judicial contexts - Psychological intervention and treatment practices.

3.1.    The Restorative Justice Paradigm and the Rehabilitation of Offenders - the Example of the Domestic Violence Offenders Program (PAVD);

3.2.    Other intervention programs with sexual offenders / abusers;

3.3.    Interventions with young people with behavioral and mental health problems;

3.4.    Follow-up of victims in statements for future memory.

4.    Ethical issues associated with the role of the psychologist as a forensic expert in court.

Bibliography

MAIN REFERENCES: 

Fonseca, A. C. (2006). Psicologia forense: uma breve introdução.  Almedina.
Fonseca, A. C. (Ed.) (2009). Psicologia e justiça. Almedina.    
Gonçalves, R., & Machado, C. (Eds.) (2005). Psicologia forense. Edições Quarteto.
Matos, M., Gonçalves, R., & Machado, C. (Coords.) (2011). Manual de psicologia forense: Contextos, práticas e desafios. Psiquilíbrios.