Unpack the relationship between psychology and criminal law in this comprehensive program designed for professionals navigating these complex fields. Led by experts, you will delve into the role psychologists can play in the justice system, critical insights into crafting expert reports, and need-to-know strategies for dealing with vulnerable clients. Filled with case studies that illustrate the challenges and nuances of working at this unique intersection, this program offers valuable guidance tailored for psychology professionals.

Presenters

Ena Shaw, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Nationally Accredited Mediator, Registered Psychologist, Elder Mediation Australasian Network
Ena has a strong passion for mediation since starting in the mediation field over 30 years ago, having worked as a clinical practitioner, academic, researcher and trainer in a wide range of fields of mediation, combining psychological principles with conflict resolution. Ena was the Chair of the 4th National Mediation Conference in Melbourne, 1998, and Chair of the Board for the 12th National Mediation Conference, Melbourne 2014. In addition, as the Family Dispute Resolution Training Manager at Relationships Australia Victoria, she conducted an extensive range of programs in the mediation field, developing one of the first training programs in Victoria, also assisting Relationships Australia to become a Registered Training Organisation, thus developing the training Programme for the Vocational Diploma of Dispute Resolution. In her private practice, she has extensive experience in the settlement of disputes involving interpersonal relationships such as family law, elder mediation, parent-adolescent, workplace, neighbourhood and gender-based harassment disputes and have conducted extensive training programs for federal, state and local government in all these areas. Ena has lectured at RMIT in Dispute resolution. Ena was awarded Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner of the Year, 2024.


Dr Amanda J White, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Forensic Psychologist, Neuropsychological & Forensic Services
Dr White is an endorsed Forensic Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist with extensive training and experience in the preparation of forensic psychological and neuropsychological reports. She is skilled in the comprehensive assessment of cognitive, behavioural and psychological impairments associated with complex histories, multiple comorbidities and a range of conditions, including acquired brain injury, neurodegenerative disorders, psychological and psychiatric illness, neurological conditions, intellectual disability, substance use disorders and forensic matters including risk assessment. She has extensive experience conducting assessments and reports surrounding decision making and capacity evaluations. She has appeared as an expert witness in the NSW courts and various tribunals.


Angela Cooney, Consultant Principal, Taylor Rose
Angela Cooney is the National Practice Director of Criminal Law and is responsible for supervising and managing her Criminal Law team in addition to her own caseload. She practices in both NSW and the ACT. Angela is an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist. Angela is a confident and formidable advocate for her clients. She commonly appears in very complex and serious matters but is able to assist clients with all kinds of criminal and traffic offences. Angela is an experienced court advocate having appeared in the Local and District Court, the Court of Criminal Appeal as well as in federal jurisdictions in a multitude of matters, including complex strictly indictable trials. With over a decade of experience in criminal law, Angela understands the often interrelated issues that arise in criminal matters and is able to guide clients through emotional and difficult times with sensitivity. Angela is passionate about providing clients with high quality and easy to understand legal advice and her experience allows her to provide clients with a first-class service. Not only is she a technically impeccable lawyer who understands the law – she is approachable and personable and provides her clients with representation to the highest quality.


Dr Celine Van Golde, PhD, Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology, University of Sydney
Dr Celine van Golde is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on the reliability of eyewitness memory in children and adults, both for one-off and repeated events. Specifically, how interviewing techniques in forensic settings, such as those used by police, lawyers and judges can affect memory accuracy. She gives annual guest lectures within the NSW Police Force Detective Training Program, as well as advising judges and lawyers on issues related to eyewitness memory. Celine is also the founder and director of Not Guilty: the Sydney Exoneration Project, which assesses cases of potential wrongful convictions.


Alison Cullen, Director, Forensic Psychologists PTY LTD
Alison Cullen is an endorsed Forensic Psychologist and the Director of Forensic Psychologists PTY LTD for over 10 years. Alison has over 15 years experience in the NSW justice system, having previously worked for DCJ, the NSWPF and William Booth Drug Rehabilitation. She has worked across a diverse range of jurisdictions, including civil, criminal and the Children’s Court. Alison has a great passion and enthusiasm in her work, always demonstrating a strong dedication to her clients as well as providing supervision to both provisional and registered psychologists. She also provides treatment under Victims Compensation, Medicare and SIRA.