Cognitive impairment is common in people appearing in the criminal justice system, yet they often don’t get the support they need.
The fifth session of our popular twilight series considers people with cognitive impairments involved in the criminal justice system who require access to specialist forensic support and treatment, or additional supports to enable them to access mainstream forensic services.
This webinar will explore topics such as:
- useful factors to consider when sentencing people with cognitive impairment, including comorbidities such as drug dependency and mental illness
- communication approaches
- Pathways for support via DFFH Forensic Disability Services, including disability justice coordination and clinical services
- connections between NDIS and the justice system
- treatment and/or behavioural change options for people with cognitive impairment
Note: This program is open to judicial officers only.
Speakers.
Department of Families, Fairness & Housing
Dr Matt Frize
Dr Matt Frize is the Director of Victoria’s Forensic Disability Services, within the Department of Families, Fairness & Housing. He is a registered supervising clinical, forensic and educational / developmental psychologist and holds clinical associate positions at the University of New South Wales and Swinburne University. Matt has a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a PhD exploring risk assessment in offenders with an intellectual disability. Matt has previously led the New South Wales forensic disability service and is a co-author of the ARMIDILO (general) and ARMIDILO (sex) dynamic risk assessment tools. He has also consulted on the topic of forensic disability across Australia and internationally and has published a number of book chapters and peer reviewed articles on the topic.
Department of Families, Fairness & Housing
Dr Matt Frize
Dr Matt Frize is the Director of Victoria’s Forensic Disability Services, within the Department of Families, Fairness & Housing. He is a registered supervising clinical, forensic and educational / developmental psychologist and holds clinical associate positions at the University of New South Wales and Swinburne University. Matt has a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and a PhD exploring risk assessment in offenders with an intellectual disability. Matt has previously led the New South Wales forensic disability service and is a co-author of the ARMIDILO (general) and ARMIDILO (sex) dynamic risk assessment tools. He has also consulted on the topic of forensic disability across Australia and internationally and has published a number of book chapters and peer reviewed articles on the topic.
Department of Families, Fairness & Housing
David Pearce
David Pearce is the Statewide Manager of the Disability Justice Coordination Program (the case management arm of Forensic Disability Services), with Victoria’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. He has held this role since 2020. As well as a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) from La Trobe University, he has a Bachelor of Arts from Swinburne University and holds post-graduate qualifications in Criminology (Forensic Disability and Sex Offender Management), from the University of Melbourne. David has approximately 17 years of experience in forensic disability services within the state government, spanning case management, policy, advisory, and leadership roles.
Department of Families, Fairness & Housing
David Pearce
David Pearce is the Statewide Manager of the Disability Justice Coordination Program (the case management arm of Forensic Disability Services), with Victoria’s Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. He has held this role since 2020. As well as a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) from La Trobe University, he has a Bachelor of Arts from Swinburne University and holds post-graduate qualifications in Criminology (Forensic Disability and Sex Offender Management), from the University of Melbourne. David has approximately 17 years of experience in forensic disability services within the state government, spanning case management, policy, advisory, and leadership roles.
Magistrates' Court of Victoria
Magistrate Roslyn Porter
Magistrate Roslyn Porter is the Supervising Magistrate of the Assessment and Referral Court, a therapeutic court supporting individuals with mental health and cognitive disability to access support and be motivated to make changes to lead better lives. She has been a Magistrate for 13 years in the Children’s Court and Magistrates’ Court. Previously Magistrate Porter was a lawyer for 20 years, working with Victoria Legal Aid and in private practice, with child and adult clients in the child protection, family law and criminal law areas of practice, many with trauma experiences. She has an interest in the intersection of the law and mental health issues and is passionate about how we can make the experience of court more therapeutic.
Magistrates' Court of Victoria
Magistrate Roslyn Porter
Magistrate Roslyn Porter is the Supervising Magistrate of the Assessment and Referral Court, a therapeutic court supporting individuals with mental health and cognitive disability to access support and be motivated to make changes to lead better lives. She has been a Magistrate for 13 years in the Children’s Court and Magistrates’ Court. Previously Magistrate Porter was a lawyer for 20 years, working with Victoria Legal Aid and in private practice, with child and adult clients in the child protection, family law and criminal law areas of practice, many with trauma experiences. She has an interest in the intersection of the law and mental health issues and is passionate about how we can make the experience of court more therapeutic.