Capacity for Justice

C4J Ethical Forensic Practice
2024-03-21 - 2024-03-22 | Virtual
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.

Ethical Forensic Practice
2025-08-07 - 2025-08-08
Thursday, August 7th
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
“Protecting thy Online Privacy and Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health” – Dr. Kaustubh Joshi
OBJECTIVES

Discuss Internet and social media use in the US
Learn about Therapist Targeted Googling
Know the potential hazards of having an online presence while not scaring you from having an online presence
Understand how to monitor and protect your personal privacy and safety online (as best as possible)
Provide an overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) terminology and concepts
Discuss how AI is currently used in mental health
Discuss benefits, challenges, and future direction of using AI in mental health

10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
“Malingering/Response Behavior “ – Dr. Mary Alice Conroy, Ph.D, ASPP
OBJECTIVES

To define what malingering is and is not
To explain methods of evaluating deceptive or biased response behavior
To explore the potential consequences of our work in this area

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
“Understanding the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) Population: A View from the State Hospital System”- Dr. Stephanie Carter and Dr. Brieann Olafsson
Objectives:

Describe the process of an individual moving through the legal system from acquittal by insanity, to hospitalization in a Texas State Hospital, and eventual discharge to community-based treatment.
Discuss evidence-based practices currently utilized by the Texas State Hospital system in the treatment of individuals acquitted by insanity.
Identify two best-practices in the assessment of violence risk for individuals who are being presented to the court as appropriate for community-based care.

Describe resources available to NGRI acquittees in support of their continued monitoring and treatment in a community setting.
Friday, August 8TH
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
“Competency to Stand Trial Evaluation and Report Writing” – Dr. Matthew Fabion
OBJECTIVES

The attendee will list three landmark cases that shape current evaluation of trial competency.
The attendee will list three factors that impact assessment of restorability of trial competency.
The attendee will list three pitfalls in trial competency evaluation report writing.
The attendee will list all of the statutory requirements for a trial competency evaluation report IAW Chapter46B of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
“Not Guilty by Reason of History, Hysteria, and Hinckley: The Evolution, Controversy, and Clinical Reality of the Insanity Defense in Texas” – Dr. Azalia Martinez
OBJECTIVES

Describe the historical evolution and current status of the insanity defense in the United States, including foundational legal principles and influential case law.
Explain the specific legal criteria for the insanity defense in Texas, as defined by Chapter 46C of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Apply evidence-based methods to conduct forensic mental health evaluations related to sanity at the time of the offense.
Demonstrate competency in writing forensic reports that address the legal standards for insanity, integrating clinical data with legal criteria

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
“Competency Restoration for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the State Supported Living Centers”- Dr. Dawna Campbell
Objectives:

Name at least two criteria for diagnosing IDD
Name at least one assessment tool to assess for IDD
Describe at least two tips for interviewing individuals with IDD
Name at least one type of commitment that the SSLCs receive

This conference is ideal for mental health professionals, legal practitioners, and students interested in forensic evaluation, courtroom ethics, and mental health policy.
