Speakers
Parallel Workshops
To address the challenges faced by Frontline Justice Care Professionals (e.g. community corrections, probation, parole, reintegration services) the Australian Community Service Organisation implemented a Psychological Health Model (PHM) aimed at proactively assisting with mental health and wellbeing. The PHM contends that mental health and wellbeing are separate, yet related, issues that should be conceptualized within an integrated framework, thereby maximizing the impact of training on psychological health by ensuring that knowledge transfer is contextualized within a consistent narrative. A study was conducted to assess the degree to which the PHM was positively impacting staff. Results indicate that there was a positive relationship between mental health training and measures of mental health as well as between wellbeing training and measures of wellbeing. Participation in either type of workshop also had a positive impact on both mental health and wellbeing (interaction effect).
Emma Bell is the General Manager of Forensic Case Work Services at Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO), overseeing a range of pre and post release programs funded through Corrections Victoria and Queensland Corrective Services in Australia, and manages staff across both Melbourne and Queensland.
Emma has worked in the community services sector for over 15 years supporting people with complex needs within the justice system in a number of varied roles. She has a strong passion for promoting positive behavioural change and considers it a privilege to be involved in the support arrangements of people involved in the justice system.