Research at Forensicare

At Forensicare research is conducted through the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science. Our research program promotes innovation and knowledge creation that inform best practice in forensic mental health services in Australia and internationally.

Our work aims to better understand and support the needs of consumers and carers, whilst ensuring our service delivery is evidence-based. The program enables a nexus to take place between research and clinical practice, with each informing the other so that what we learn can quickly be translated into improved outcomes.

Forensicare staff are supported to build their research capabilities, whilst partnering with researchers and academics with lived experience and clinical expertise across a variety of disciplines, including psychology, psychiatry, nursing, social work and occupational therapy.

Conducting research into forensic mental health is outlined in the Victorian Mental Health Act 2014 as one of our key functions, and this underlies a strong commitment to research across the organisation.

Our people

Research at Forensicare is led by Professor James Ogloff, the Executive Director of Psychological Services & Research and Director of the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science (CFBS).

He is supported by:

• Research Manager, Dr. Trent Furness
• Forensicare Research Fellows, Daveena Mawren
• Forensicare clinician-researchers:
  • Dr. Tessa Maguire (forensic mental health nursing)
  • Lorrae Mynard (forensic occupation therapy)

Applying to conduct research at Forensicare

Prior to commencing a research proposal, Forensicare staff members should refer to the Guidelines for Submission of a Research Proposal and Research Proposal Protocol.

If you are interested in conducting a research project, please contact the Forensicare Research Department. The team can provide further information and support you through the entire process – from proposal to final submission.

The Research Department is based at the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science in Alphington The Research Department can assist with:

• Developing a research proposal
• Submission to Forensicare’s Research Committee
• Assistance with ethics and governance approvals
• Advice on study design and the literature review process
• Navigating logistical issues
• Advice on publication and conference presentations
• Support to source and secure research grant funding

The Research Department also facilitates input from member of the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science with expertise in the area related to your project.

Research Governance

Research oversight is provided by Forensicare’s Operational Research Committee and the Forensicare Swinburne Research Governance Committee.

Forensicare Swinburne Research Governance Committee

This committee was jointly established by Forensicare and Swinburne University of Technology and governs research across Forensicare and the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science. It three times a year.

Forensicare’s Operational Research Committee

This committee facilitates research across Forensicare and is the main gateway for researchers to obtain approval to conduct research involving Forensicare staff, consumers and/or resources. The committee has representatives from all clinical disciplines, as well as consumer consultants and Forensicare’s executive management team. It is responsible for monitoring relevant research policy documents and guidance.

More information

For more information, we encourage you to contact our Research Department.
E: research@forensicare.vic.gov.au