Dismantling Barriers in Professional Psychology: Supporting Formerly Justice-Involved Students and Trainees

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Legal Studies

Background:

• Millions of Americans have legal records, impacting their societal participation.
• Psychology is a popular major, suggesting formerly justice-involved individuals may enter the field.
• Professional organizations are beginning to address inclusion for those with legal histories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the experiences of formerly justice-involved individuals in health service psychology training.
• To identify discriminatory policies hindering access and advancement.
• To propose strategies for greater inclusion and belonging.

Main Methods:

• Personal narratives from formerly justice-involved psychologists and allies.
• Analysis of experiences within health service psychology training programs.
• Identification of systemic barriers and discriminatory practices.

Main Results:

• Formerly justice-involved individuals encounter unique and hidden difficulties in psychology training.
• Discriminatory policies restrict access and impede career advancement.
• Existing support systems are often inadequate for justice-impacted trainees.

Conclusions:

• Health service psychology training programs must address discriminatory policies.
• Strategies are needed to foster a more inclusive environment for justice-impacted individuals.
• Psychology leaders should actively promote belonging for formerly justice-involved professionals.