Dr Bianca Spaccavento1
1Corrective Services NSW, Australia, 2Charles Sturt University, Australia
Biography:
Bianca is the Principal Psychologist for Corrective Services NSW and a Senior Lecturer at Charles Sturt University. As the founding chair of the Correctional Psychology Leaders of Australia and New Zealand (CPLANZ) she led the development of the first Australian Correctional Psychology Competency and Practice Framework. Bianca reinvests her 25+ years of practice and leadership in correctional environments into her teaching of psychology students in forensic and other areas of psychology practice, as well as research in the area of correctional systems and practices. Her current research includes traumatic stress in correctional staff and diversion from the criminal justice system.
Abstract:
The Australian Correctional Psychology Competency and Practice Framework applies the 2025 Guiding Principles for Corrections in Australia to the competency and practice requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia (2025), to arrive at a bespoke guiding framework for the learning, practice, and promotion of correctional psychology. Given the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in correctional environments, the Framework also draws on guidance provided by the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project. Developed collaboratively by the Correctional Psychology Leaders of Australia and New Zealand, and endorsed by the trans-Tasman Corrective Services Administrators Council, the Framework is the first of its kind to formally articulate the nuances associated with correctional practice. The scope of work is described followed by commentary on the general competencies for psychologists as they apply in the correctional context, providing guidance to practitioners and trainers alike about considerations for enriching competency development with correctional practice in mind. Finally, commentary is provided about specific definitions and considerations required when interpreting the Psychology Board of Australia's Code of Conduct in correctional environments. The Framework sits at the intersection of key national standards regarding public safety and human rights and is introduced as a contemporary and organic platform to articulate challenges associated with this balance.