This is a comprehensive book that covers a broad range of topics relevant to current practice in the field of Forensic Psychology. It draws on literature from a range of psychological theories, for example the influence of the psychodynamic approach in Therapeutic Communities, the cognitive-behavioural approach to structured treatment programmes, the influence of positive psychology on current research and practice, and the importance of organisational psychology to offender rehabilitation. The book is well structured and takes the reader through offender assessment, treatment in custody, treatment in secure settings, and management in the community. In addition to the range of psychological theories which are considered, the book also draws on other non-psychological fields which clearly impact on forensic practice, for example legal and economic perspectives.
As a Forensic Psychologist in Training with recent memories of the stage 1 element of the qualification, this book would have been a valuable resource at a time when developing knowledge of such a broad field. The book provides a detailed overview of many different areas of Forensic Psychology, including new developments. For clinicians seeking a more comprehensive understanding of a narrower topic, contributing authors direct the reader to relevant literature which can provide a more detailed discussion than is possible in the space of a chapter. There were points when aspects of later chapters seemed to repeat earlier chapters, for example the Risk, Need and Responsivity principles were defined on many occasions. More frequent direction to an earlier chapter may have sufficed and prevented a sense of repetition at times.
A particular strength of this book was its coverage of international assessment and treatment approaches, for example there are chapters which discuss culture-specific treatment programmes for offenders in Canada, New Zealand and Australia, the Australasian approach to rehabilitation, and the public perception of rehabilitation in the USA. This is in addition to a thorough overview of assessment and treatment approaches in the UK for a wide range of offender types. A further strength is the inclusion of chapters which focus on recent developments in the field, for example assessment and treatment of fire setters, and female sexual offenders. It provides the reader not only with an analysis of current practice, but with developments necessary for the future.
In summary, this book contributes to the literature by providing an overview of a vast range of areas of forensic practice, including those which are recently emerging or under-researched. It would be a valuable resource for an individual looking to develop an initial understanding of different areas of the field, and provides a useful update and guidance to further relevant literature for those already in practice.
