Welcome to the December 2022
American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) Newsletter
Our monthly newsletter provides information about activities, upcoming events, and resources to connect the psychology-law community.
AP-LS aspires to excel as a valuable, effective, and influential organization advancing the science of psychology-law and the translation of psychology-law knowledge into practice and policy.
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AP-LS Practice Committee Announces an Award to Recognize Outstanding Practitioner Mentoring for the Elimination of Racial, Ethnic and Cultural (REC) Disparities in the Field of Psychology and the Law
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REC disparities in the criminal justice system (CJS) necessitate that practicing psychologists working in the field of psychology and the law use their knowledge and experience to combat them. Practitioners are in a unique position to offer education, assessment, intervention, and advocacy on issues of REC disparities, racism, and discrimination in the field of psychology and the law. However, a limited body of research, lack of practice guidelines on REC integration in forensic practice, and low representation of Black, Indigenous, People Of Color (BIPOC) professionals, limit such efforts. Mentorship of emerging practitioners in psychology and the law on such issues can bridge the gap of knowledge, application, and BIPOC representation in the field.
The AP-LS Practice Committee wants to recognize the substantive contributions of practitioner mentors who educate and support emerging clinicians in psychology and the law with a lens toward the elimination of REC disparities and social justice. For these purposes, we use Goldstein’s (2007) definition of the practice of psychology and the law: “The application of psychological research, theory, practice, and traditional and specialized methodology (e.g. interviewing, psychological testing, forensic assessment, and forensically relevant instruments) to provide information relevant to a legal question.”
The award for Outstanding Practitioner Mentoring to Eliminate Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural (REC) Disparities in the Field of Psychology and the Law, will be conferred on a yearly basis. The Recipient will receive a $500.00 cash award, a plaque to be presented at the annual AP-LS conference and will be featured in an AP-LS newsletter article, written by the practice committee, highlighting the recipient’s achievements and recommendations to other practitioners. Highlighting the recipient's mentorship practices and experiences can serve as a model for other professionals in the field of psychology and the law.
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The Publications and Communications (P&C) Board of the American Psychological Association has opened nominations for the editorships of Clinician’s Research Digest, Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, Psychology and Aging, Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory and Cognition, and the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: Interpersonal Relations and Group Processes. Marisol Perez, PhD, Michael Lamb, PhD, Elizabeth A.L. Stine-Morrow, PhD, Kathi A. Borden, PhD, Aaron S. Benjamin, PhD, and Colin Wayne Leach, PhD, respectively, are the incumbent editors.
Candidates should be members of APA and should be available to start receiving manuscripts in early 2024 to prepare for issues published in 2025. The APA Journals program values equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages the application of members of all groups, including women, people of color, LGBTQ psychologists, and those with disabilities, as well as candidates across all stages of their careers. Self-nominations are also encouraged.
Search chairs have been appointed as follows:
- Clinician’s Research Digest, Chair: Michael Roberts, PhD
- Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, Co-Chairs: Pamela Reid, PhD, and Hortensia Amaro, PhD
- Psychology and Aging, Chair: Mo Wang, PhD
- Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Chair: Mark Sobell, PhD
- Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, Chair: Steve Kozlowski, PhD
- Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: Interpersonal Relations and Group Processes, Chair: Richard Petty, PhD
Nominate candidates through APA’s Editor Search website. Prepared statements of one page or less in support of a nominee can also be submitted by email to Jen Chase, Journal Services Associate at jchase@apa.org.
Deadline for accepting nominations is Monday, January 9, 2023, after which phase one vetting will begin.
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Clinical and Forensic Practice
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Dr. Jaymes Fairfax-Columbo and Dr. Alexander George Kuhl explore “The “What” and the “Why” of Adjudicative Competence Evaluations: Conceptualizing Court-Related Abilities in a Manner Accessible to Legal Professionals.”
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TTC Committee’s Teaching and Mentoring Awards:
Call for Nominations
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Each year the AP-LS Teaching, Training, and Careers (TTC) Committee confers two awards for outstanding teaching and mentoring. These awards recognize teaching excellence in the field of psychology and law in a variety of contexts, specifically the Outstanding Teaching and Mentoring Award and the Early Career Teaching and Mentoring Award.
For more information about the awards, eligibility, and how to nominate yourself or others visit our Teaching and Mentoring Awards webpage.
This year the TTC Committee is specifically soliciting nominations for individuals from doctoral-granting or post-doctoral granting programs/departments (i.e., Category 2 Awards). Winners will be announced at the 2023 AP-LS Conference at the Marriott, Downtown, Philadelphia, PA, from March 16-18, 2023. Award recipients receive $500, a plaque at the AP-LS conference, and an opportunity to serve as a guest columnist for the AP-LS Newsletter.
Nominations are due by December 15, 2022. Nominations can be emailed to ttc@apls.org.
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BRIDGE Committee Award Programs
Call for Applications 2023
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The AP-LS BROADENING REPRESENTATION INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, AND GLOBAL EQUITY or BRIDGE Committee is seeking applicants for two award programs. As part of the BRIDGE Committee initiative to increase diversity within AP-LS, and the profession as a whole, these award programs support research for undergraduate and graduate students. Please take a few minutes to review the program descriptions below and consider if you or any students you know might be eligible, and encourage them to apply. Also, please feel free to forward this information to any colleagues who might be interested in these award programs. Award submissions will be accepted starting September 15, 2022 through January 15, 2023. Recipients will be announced in February 2023.
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Access Path to Psychology and Law Experience Program
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The purpose of the Access Path to Psychology and Law Experience (AP) Program is to increase diversity within psychology and law by increasing the pipeline of competitive graduate school applicants from groups that currently are underrepresented in the field, including racial and ethnic minorities, first-generation college students, LGBT individuals, and disabled students. AP is designed to encourage faculty members to recruit students from underrepresented groups into their research labs. It provides financial support for the students to obtain meaningful research experience and attend the AP-LS conference as well as other opportunities for mentoring and development. It is the intention of the BRIDGE Committee that many of the students in the AP program will apply for graduate training related to psychology and law and ultimately become professionals in the field. The AP program primarily targets undergraduate students, but students from terminal master’s degree programs will also be considered. Award submissions will be accepted starting September 15, 2022 through January 15, 2023. Recipients will be announced in February 2023.
For more information about the AP Program, please contact the program Chair, Dr. Jason Lawrence at jason.lawrence@dmh.mo.gov.
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AP-LS Diversity in Psychology and Law Research Awards
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The purpose of the Diversity in Psychology and Law Research Awards is to promote diversity within the American Psychology-Law Society by supporting student research on psycholegal issues related to diversity as well as research by students from underrepresented groups. Projects are eligible for consideration for this award if (1) they investigate topics related to psychology, law, diversity, and/or multiculturalism (e.g., research pertaining to psycholegal issues on race, gender, culture, sexual orientation, etc.) or (2) if the principal investigator is a member of an underrepresented group, including racial and ethnic minorities, first-generation college students, LGBT individuals, and students with disabilities. Consistent with the mission of the BRIDGE Committee, these awards are intended to facilitate the research of individuals from groups that are underrepresented in AP-LS, as well as research about issues of potential interest and importance to such groups. Award submissions will be accepted starting September 15th, 2022 through January15, 2023. Recipients will be announced in February 2023.
For more information about the Diversity Program, please contact the program Chair, Dr. Evelyn Maeder at evelyn.maeder@carlton.ca.
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As part of an initiative to increase diversity within AP-LS, the Minority Affairs Committee will provide travel awards to students from underrepresented groups (i.e., racial and ethnic minorities, first-generation college students, LGBT individuals, and students with disabilities) who are presenting research at the American Psychology-Law Society Conference. Seven competitive travel awards in the amount of $500 will be given. Award submissions will be accepted starting September 15, 2022 through January 15, 2023. Recipients will be announced in February 2023.
For more information about the Diversity Travel Award program, please contact the program Chair, Dr. Amanda NeMoyer at ann38@drexel.edu.
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The American Psychology-Law Society invites proposals for new authored and edited volumes on psychology-law topics for its book series (now published by APA Books). If you are considering authoring or editing a new volume, please reach out to a member of the editorial team. We would be glad to discuss your ideas with you.
Monica Miller, Division 41 Book Series Editor (mkmiller@unr.edu)
Monique Bowen, Division 41 Book Series Association Editor (mbowen2@antioch.edu)
Jemour Maddux, Division 41 Book Series Associate Editor (jm@rule702.com)
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Register for the 2023 AP-LS Conference
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The registration portal is now open for the 2023 AP-LS Conference from March 16-18, 2023 at the Marriott, Downtown, Philadelphia. Pre-conference workshops will be held on March 15, 2023.
Register for the conference (including pre-conference workshops), book your room, or sign up for the fun run.
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Please note that early-bird registration will end on January 31st.
You can direct any registration-related queries to SBI Association Management, AP-LS’ new management partners, at office@ap-ls.org.
Any questions regarding conference programming can be sent to the Conference Co-Chairs, Andrea Avila and Miko M. Wilford at conference@ap-ls.org.
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Keep AP-LS'S Voice Heard at APA
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Members of the American Psychological Association (APA) should have received their 2022 APA Ballot via e-mail on November 1. It is important that you vote by December 15 to keep AP-LS's voice heard at APA.
The ballot includes votes on changes to the APA bylaws and an apportionment ballot which determines how many voting members AP-LS gets on APA's governing body, the Council of Representatives (Council). In the past year, your AP-LS representatives (Jason Cantone and Margaret Bull Kovera) have co-written legislation on the interrogation of criminal suspects, removal of felony status questions on psychological association applications, the creation of a Council ombuds, and removal of mental health treatment questions from bar exam character and fitness examinations, as well as legislation to improve the APA policymaking process.
Apportionment votes determine how many representatives AP-LS can send to APA Council. With more Council Representatives, we can better call attention to issues dear to our members and have a greater influence on APA policy. In the past few years, AP-LS has been very close to gaining a third representative! To get that third representative, we need each APA member to give all 10 of their apportionment votes to Division 41/AP-LS. Please make sure to vote! If you did not receive an e-mail ballot, please contact APA at elections@apa.org.
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2022 Dissertation Award Competition
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We are accepting submissions for the 2022 Dissertation Award Competition. Each year, the AP-LS Dissertation Committee selects First, Second, and Third Place winners of the AP-LS Dissertation Award for outstanding dissertation research involving basic or applied research in psychology and law. Recipients receive a monetary award and will be invited to present their dissertation work at the 2023 AP-LS Conference. AP-LS members who defend their dissertation during the 2022 calendar year are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2022.
Additional questions may be directed to the APLS Dissertation Awards Chair, Anthony Perillo at aperillo@salud.unm.edu.
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APA Elects New President-Elect
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APA announced that Dr. Cynthia de las Fuentes was elected to be the 2024 APA President. Dr. Mary Ann McCabe and Dr. Luz Garcini were both elected to the APA Board of Directors.
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Division 41 is Seeking Proposals for APA’s Annual Convention
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We are excited to bring the community back together in person in Washington, DC — and we want you there!
If you have new research to share and can connect with an audience, we encourage you to submit a proposal. This year, we are accepting proposals for skill-building sessions, data blitz, symposia, critical conversations, and virtual or in person posters.
Do you know colleagues that should speak at APA 2023? Please help us spread the word! Great presenters help us deliver a great event.
Act quickly — the deadline is January 10.
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Psychology, Public Policy, and Law
Call for Papers on Emerging Issues in Correctional Policy, Research, and Practice
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Guest Editors:
Ashley B. Batastini, Ph.D.
University of Memphis
Jennifer Eno Louden, Ph.D.
The University of Texas at El Paso
Virginia Barber-Rioja, Ph.D.
Correctional Health Services/NYC Health + Hospitals
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Correctional institutions and departments are often slow-moving regarding practice developments, policy reform, and research engagement. Long-standing issues such as prison over-crowding, limited financial resources, geographical remoteness, low staff recruitment and retention, safety and security constraints, and traditional administrative values that favor punishment over rehabilitation can stifle the implementation of more innovative and progressive efforts. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing calls from advocacy groups, politicians, and the general public have placed pressures on correctional systems to explore alternative solutions that balance crime reduction with humane care and common sense policies. As jails and prisons continue to serve as major mental health providers, innovations specific to psychological interventions are especially relevant.
This special section will highlight emerging issues and inventive trends in correctional psychology research and practice that can inform policy decisions and reform efforts. Original quantitative and/or qualitative research is strongly encouraged; however, empirically grounded systematic reviews or policy/practice recommendations will also be considered. Manuscripts focused on all areas of corrections are welcome, but topics of particular interest include:
- Technological advances that improve access to and delivery of correctional practices or policy implementation
- Integrating social justice principles in assessment and intervention for clients in correctional settings
- Mental and behavioral health responses to COVID-19 in correctional settings o Creative approaches to addressing and reducing the jail-based competency crisis
- Validation of novel and feasible suicide and violence risk instruments with correctional samples
- Medication assisted treatment and other innovative substance use interventions
- Adaptation or development of evidence-based assessment or interventions for underserved and understudied populations (e.g., people with neurodevelopmental disorders, women and non-binary people, LGBTQIA+ persons, people of color, etc.)
- Unique methodological or statistical approaches to conducting correctional research or evaluating the effectiveness of new policies
For general inquiries, prospective contributors may contact Dr. Ashley Batastini at Ashley.batastini@memphis.edu. Manuscripts must be submitted through the journal’s online submission portal in accordance with specified formatting guidelines. Once in the portal, there will be a drop-down option to designate your submission for consideration in this special section. Deadline for submissions is March 15, 2023.
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LHB Reviewer Mentoring Program
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Have you always wondered how people get to be reviewers for prestigious journals? Are you interested in becoming a reviewer for Law and Human Behavior, the official journal of AP-LS, but don’t know what that means or how to get training and experience with providing strong reviews? Do you have limited or no access to a mentor that can help provide this type of experience?
If so, now is your chance to develop your reviewer skills! The LHB editorial team is continuing their Reviewer Mentoring Program in 2023. The program will kick off at the AP-LS Conference in Philadelphia with an in-person training and will continue throughout the rest of the year. The program is designed to provide advanced graduate students (in 3rd, 4th or 5th years of study) and ECPs (within 10 years of last terminal degree) with training and mentoring specifically in conducting strong peer reviews.
We will be selecting a small group of Reviewers to participate in the workshop in March 2023, and we will match those participants with Reviewer Mentors. Mentees will be assigned 1-2 manuscripts to review throughout 2023, under the guidance of their Reviewer Mentor.
If you would like to be considered for this program, please complete the application by December 31, 2022. If you have questions about the program, please contact our Associate Editor, Jenni Cox at jennifer.m.cox@ua.edu or Editor in Chief, Bradley McAuliff at bradley.mcauliff@csun.edu.
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Dr. Leah Georges has stepped down as Associate Editor of the newsletter. We would like to thank Dr. Georges for the great work she has accomplished with our regular columns over the past 5+ years. We wish her all the best in the future!
We welcome Dr. Taylor Petty as our new Associate Editor. Dr. Petty will work with our content editors to continue to provide you with interesting and timely columns. If you have an idea for a column, feel free to contact Dr. Petty or one of our content editors.
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On the Job or Postdoc Market? AP-LS Job Postings
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Newsletter Editorial Board
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AP-LS seeks to advance the science of psychology-law and the translation of psychology-law knowledge into practice. Our mission is to enhance the well-being, justice, and human rights though science and practice of psychology in legal contexts.
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