The COMPASS Model in Criminal and Forensic Psychology

Dr Mark A. Durkin’s work developing the COMPASS Model framework is both innovative and needed within Forensic psychological settings. The model emphasises a holistic approach to forensic practice and therefore makes for a more comprehensive approach to understanding and responding to people involved in the criminal justice system. This book introduces the reader to this new framework in detail and is clearly going to be of great use to those seeking to better understand offending populations (students, academics) but also those implementing the model within their forensic practice.

The COMPASS Model in Criminal and Forensic Psychology is a thought-provoking book that thoroughly unpacks the complex journey of moving away from criminal behaviour. The author combines academic rigor with accessible writing, making it a valuable resource for both students and professionals in Forensic Psychology. The book offers a practical and holistic perspective to desistence and recovery. Engaging, well-structured, and deeply informative, this text is an essential contribution to criminological and psychological literature.

This book is remarkable, unique and innovative at its core. Mark''s work incorporates criminological and positive psychological knowledge of theory, evidence and indeed his own lived experience of receiving criminal justice interventions and desisting from crime. Mark''s COMPASS Model constructs as a compassionate umbrella, encompassing the leading models within the ''what works'' framework. COMPASS provides criminal justice practitioners with an evidence-based tool, integrating and expanding on what is currently known to develop desistance capital, through the recognition of valuing justice involved peoples past, their present and their future. In his own words, the model doesn''t claim to know ''what works'', but rather draws on ''how it works.'' There is no doubt that this book will enhance the knowledge of criminal justice practice at time when we are in desperate need of innovation.

Navigating the environment of the criminal justice system is a highly complex journey for professionals, the public, and the offender. Many years of attempted punishment, shaming, reintegration and rehabilitation have created a landscape in which everybody can get lost. Moving forward into new and less damaging futures is fraught with the possibility of losing our way and failure. Durkin has created this Compass model, by building upon his previous work and bringing a fresh perspective to addressing and reducing future offending. The integration of compassion, and the simple but effective visual model, helps describe the journey onwards and upwards. This allows all who travel this route, offenders in particular, to build upon strength and hope, and not wallow in despair and failure. An excellent read!

This book is a very refreshing and eye-opening piece of work! Mark highlights the often-overlooked realities of life’s challenges for those with an offending history, and the transformative power of a compassion-focused perspective. Providing examples of personal narratives and offering an insightful analysis, the author describes how their new model can offers a hopeful vision for rehabilitation and reintegration. This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the rehabilitation process and the profound impact of compassion and understanding in fostering genuine change.

The Durkin COMPASS Model offers a groundbreaking theoretical framework for criminology and forensic psychology, integrating compassion and positive psychology with evidence-based practice to facilitate desistence from crime.

• | Author: Mark A. Durkin
• | Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
• | Publication Date: Feb 07, 2025
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9781835495575
• | ISBN-10: 1835495575