Our Fellows gain substantial experience conducting evaluations for criminal courts in areas of competence to stand trial, criminal responsibility and abnormal condition of mind, and violence risk assessment under the supervision of seasoned forensic psychologists. Fellows may have opportunities in a variety of other assessment areas, such as juvenile competence, criminal responsibility, and violence risk assessment; risk assessment and treatment recommendations for problematic sexual behavior; and competence to waive Miranda rights. Through the didactic series, Fellows are trained in the psycho-legal foundations of forensic psychology, the principles of forensic mental health assessment, and the broad range of issues forensic psychologists address in civil and criminal courts. We are committed to training professionals who are mindful of the impact of race, culture, and gender on mental health, public policy, criminal justice, and legal issues, and are cognizant of the unique opportunity forensic psychologists have to impact change in complex governmental systems.
Forensic psychologists operate in the nexus of the two longest standing institutions of power and control over the most vulnerable and disenfranchised populations in our country: state psychiatric hospitals and the criminal justice system. We recognize the historical and ongoing impact systemic racism, sexism, and privilege have on the likelihood that individuals become entangled in these systems as well as their experiences in them. We are looking to build a team of professionals committed to learning about and promoting equity. Impacting change in these large, multifaceted, complex government systems is a challenge, one we ourselves are trying to navigate, and we are seeking Fellows with an interest in joining us in having this dialogue.
Upon successful completion of the fellowship year, graduates will have the depth of experience to practice independently as a forensic examiner in criminal court and the breadth of training to pursue Board Certification in Forensic Psychology. Once licensed as psychologists, graduated Fellows interested in remaining in Maine are qualified to become contracted examiners with the State Forensic Service.