Roundtable: Trauma Informed Criminal Justice: Views from the Trenches.

Session Submission Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract/Description

Many individuals, are drawn into the criminal justice system as the result of conduct stemming directly from their traumatic experiences. Four discussants will discuss what trauma informed Criminal Justice means from their unique perspectives

• A public defender from New York - Stephanie Batchellor will speak on trauma-informed advocacy and client-centred representation.
• Holly Coomber - a woman who spent 33 years in prison for crimes committed by her foster father and abuser. She experienced childhood abuse, domestic and family violence and institutional abuse not just in prison but in the child foster 'care' system. Holly was released in 2016 and advocates for trauma-informed practices both inside and outside of prison.
• Dr Ingrid McGuffog - A clinical criminologist who works with lawyers and criminal justice involved people delivering therapy and writing forensic court reports. This talk will highlight the nexus between trauma and addictions that can lead to criminal justice involvement.
• Melanie Snyder – will speak on the many CJ professionals who are traumatized by the work they do and the consequences for their practice. She will examine how the trauma-inducing aspects of the system interplay with the culture of CJ agencies.

Chair Dr Suzanne Reich – University of Southern Queensland

Sub Unit

• Area XIV. Roundtables

Chair

• Renee Zahnow, University of Queensland

Discussants

• Stephanie Batcheller, New York State Defenders Association

• Holly Coomber, Lived experience

• Ingrid McGuffog, Private Practitioner

• Melanie Snyder, Trauma-Informed Organizations & Leadership; Trauma-informed Criminal Justice