Thursday, March 21st
9 AM – 11 AM – Guardianship Evaluations
Speaker: Maureen Burrows, Ph.D.
- Dr. Maureen Burrows, Forensic and General Psychiatry, and a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology along with additional qualifications in Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. Burrows has a practice in Austin, Texas and she is also an affiliate Faculty at the Department of Psychiatry Dell Medical School, UT, Austin. She is a consultant to the Travis County Courts along with a consultant to the Williamson, and Hays County Courts and also provides consulting services to the Austin Neuropsychiatric Clinic. She received her training at the Tulane University of School of Medicine.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will learn why and when evaluations are necessary and how to fill out the appropriate PCME.
11 AM – 11:15 AM – Break
11:15 AM – 1:15 PM – Group Thinking and Over-Valued Ideas
Speaker: Mary Alice Conroy, Ph.D.
- Mary Alice Conroy, Ph.D. ABPP – Practicing forensic psychology for 37 years; Board Certified in Forensic Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology; past president of the American Academy of Forensic Psychology; currently a professor in a clinical psychology doctoral program that emphasizes forensic psychology; have presented a workshop on forensic psychology—both regionally and nationally—annually, for the past 20 years; authored or co-authored 2 books and 15 other publications related to forensic psychology in her last 15 years. Director of the SHSU Psychological Services Center, a clinic that specifically trains students to conduct forensic assessments.
Learning Objectives:
- To explore current group perceptions that may confuse the legal system
- To explore the dangers of misusing the concept of “delusion”
- To explore ways of best communicating with the courts regarding commonly held over-valued ideas
Friday – March 22nd
9 AM – 11 AM – Violence Risk Assessment in those Persons with Severe Mental Illness
Speaker: Matt Faubion. MD
- Matthew Faubion, M.D. – Forensic Psychiatrist and Clinical Director for West Texas Centers, former Forensic Medical Director for Texas Health and Human Services, and former Clinical Director for Kerrville State Hospital. He also holds a Clinical Assistant Professorship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Department of Psychiatry. He received his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma Medical School. His internship was at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, and his psychiatric residency was through a combined program of the University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio and Wilford Hall Medical Center. He went on to complete a forensic psychiatry fellowship at the University of South Carolina. He held a number of positions in the military and holds many honors and awards for his service. Dr. Faubion began his civilian practice of psychiatry in 2009 at Kerrville State Hospital and soon was included in many statewide committees, such as the Texas State Dangerousness Review Board and the Texas State Forensic Services Committee of which he is now the chairperson. He has been certified as an expert witness in both Texas, and South Carolina and in the military. Dr. Faubion regularly testifies in proceedings involving competency to stand trial and the insanity defense and has provided over 50 presentations on these topics.
Learning Objectives:
- After completion of this activity, the attendee will be able to list the top 2 risk factors for future violence.
- After completion of this activity, the attendee will be able to list the four components of dangerousness.
- After completion of this activity, the attendee will be able to list the specific types of psychotic symptoms that are associated with violence.
11 AM – 11:15 AM – Break
11:15 AM – 1:15 PM – Recent & Potential Legislation
Speaker: Brian Shannon
- Brian Shannon is a Law Professor at the Texas Tech University of Law. Mr. Shannon is a Paul Whitfield Horn Distinguished Professor and had the highest class ranking in his graduate law class at the University of Texas Law School. He is a former Texas Tech Faculty Athletics Representative to the NCAA and the Big 12 and served on the Board of Directors along with serving as President for 6 years. He is an associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs and Programs. He was an Advisor to the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. And was a practicing attorney at Hughes and Luce Law Firm and is a visiting professor at the University of Colorado Law School, the University of Texas Law School, and the University of North Carolina Law School.
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding key Texas legislation enacted in 2021 and 2023 pertaining to competency proceedings, emergency detentions, and related diversion possibilities;
- Understanding other legislation that was introduced in 2023 but not enacted, including recommendations from the Texas Judicial Mental Health Commission; and
- Understanding recommendations for legislative reforms by the National Center for State Courts’ Model Legal Processes Workgroup project.