University Distinguished Professor James R. P. Ogloff1
1Centre For Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology and Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health, Hawthorn, Australia
Biography:
Distinguished Professor James R. P. Ogloff AM is a leading clinical/forensic psychologist and Dean of Health Sciences at Swinburne University. With over 40 years’ experience, he has authored 18 books and more than 350 publications focused on forensic mental health, criminal behaviour, and legal-psychological intersections. His research has directly shaped policy and practice in corrections, courts, and mental health services in Australia and internationally. A trusted advisor to governments and legal bodies, he translates complex clinical research into evidence-based reforms. Professor Ogloff is widely recognised for advancing understanding of offender rehabilitation, violence risk, and the psychological impact of trauma.
This symposium presents three empirical and practice-focused papers exploring the critical role of expert psychological assessments in the Children’s Court. Each presentation addresses a unique facet of forensic psychological practice within Family Division proceedings, where decisions about child safety and family preservation carry significant weight.
The first presentation provides a profile analysis of families referred to the Children’s Court Clinic for psychological assessment. Through detailed examination of child, parent, and family characteristics, clinical presentations, and risk profiles, the study offers valuable insights into the complex presentations seen in these cases and highlights implications for clinical assessment practices and translational research.
The second presentation examines Magistrates’ perceptions of expert psychological reports and testimony in family division matters. Drawing on interviews and surveys with Judicial Officers in Victoria, it explores how assessments are used in decision-making, which components are most valued, and what magistrates consider to be effective expert testimony.
The third presentation introduces structured, evidence-informed guidelines for conducting child maltreatment assessments specifically within the Children’s Court context. Developed through a synthesis of research and clinical expertise, the guidelines aim to improve the consistency, defensibility, and child-centered quality of psychological assessments in this high-stakes legal setting.
Collectively, the symposium offers a comprehensive examination of current challenges and innovations in psychological assessment for the Children’s Court, with practical recommendations to support improved outcomes for vulnerable children and families.