Practicum

Students in the Applied Forensic Psychology program complete practicum placements in each of the last three years of their program: 2nd (≥20 hours), 3rd year (≥40 hours) and 4th year (≥40 hours). Placements must be approved and are coordinated with the Practicum Coordinator and/or Program Coordinator. Placements typically are done in applied /clinical forensic settings (e.g., mental health clinics, community-based organizations, police agencies, correctional facilities, prisons, law offices) and under the supervision of professionals (e.g., registered clinical psychologists, social workers, community organization workers, police and parole officers).  

Preparing (training) to do a practicum placement is an essential first step! Students are accepted into the AFP program because they are considered to have the potential to learn how to work effectively with vulnerable populations (broadly defined). In order to realize that potential, students must acquire and practice interpersonal skills. We will discuss this further in class.    

Practicum hours can be spread throughout the regular school year, completed during reading week, or completed in the summer. Students are encouraged to consider options and opportunities for doing a placement in their home communities. These options may then be explored with the guidance of the Practicum Coordinator, Ryanne Chisholm [Mailto: @email].   

Practica can take various forms including: (1) observing /shadowing professionals (e.g., psychologists, social workers, parole officers, lawyers, judges) at work; (2) receiving relevant on-the-job training (e.g., Cooperative Education and Work Integrated Learning or CEWIL); and (3) working with trained staff members during interactions with vulnerable individuals (e.g., persons with mental illness, unhoused, justice-involved).  

A student’s performance will be evaluated by the practicum supervisor and the Practicum Coordinator and Program Coordinator. Criteria include attendance and performance in class and on practicum, demonstration of personal suitability characteristics, ethical conduct and decision making, and acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills. Students are required to maintain a log of practicum experiences from second to fourth year and will be required to present about their experiences to peers and interested others.