Court Reports

Criminal Court Psychological Assessment – Legal Referral Services

Forensic psychological assessment provides independent, expert psychological opinion to assist courts, tribunals, parole authorities, and government decision-makers. These assessments operate at the intersection of psychology and law and are designed to address specific statutory, risk, or behavioural questions relevant to legal and administrative decision-making.

Simon Burns is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ experience in forensic and corrective services settings, including senior roles within Community Corrections and extensive involvement in parole, court, and risk assessment contexts. Assessments are conducted with a strong focus on objectivity, evidentiary standards, and practical relevance to the referral question.

The team of experienced practitioners at The Assessment and Therapy Centre have extensive experience in forensic psychological risk assessment. Assessors are accredited in the use of actuarial risk assessments determining risk and treatment need of forensic behaviours including violence, sexual violence and general offending behaviours.

Scope of Assessments

Forensic assessments may address matters including:

• Risk of reoffending or harm to others

• Factors relevant to parole, release, or supervision decisions

• Mental health and psychological functioning

• Responsivity to intervention and supervision

• Insight, judgement, and capacity to comply with conditions

• Behavioural patterns relevant to offending or risk

All assessments are independent and are not therapeutic in nature.

Assessment Methodology

Each assessment follows a structured, defensible process aligned with forensic best practice:

Clarification of Referral Question
The legal purpose, statutory context, and decision-making requirements are clarified at commencement to ensure the assessment is proportionate and fit for purpose.

Collateral Review
Relevant material is critically reviewed, including criminal history, court documents, prior assessments, correctional and supervision records, and available treatment or medical information.

Forensic Interview
A structured clinical interview explores psychological history, offending-related behaviour, mental health, substance use, insight, and current functioning, using a professional and trauma-informed approach while maintaining forensic boundaries.

Structured Risk Assessment
Where risk is relevant, validated actuarial and structured professional judgement tools are utilised, including instruments such as Static-99R, Stable 2007 and Acute 2007. Risk is considered dynamically, incorporating current stressors, protective factors, and supervision context.

Formulation and Opinion
Findings are integrated into a clear psychological formulation explaining relevant risk pathways, contributing factors, and mitigating elements. Professional opinions are evidence-based, balanced, and directly linked to the referral questions.

Reporting

Reports are written for legal and statutory audiences and prioritise clarity, evidence based actuarial risk assessment, and defensibility. Reports typically include:

• Referral context and methodology

• Key findings and interpretation

• Risk analysis and formulation

• Expert opinion relevant to the legal question

• Practical and proportionate recommendations where appropriate

Reports are prepared with the expectation they may be relied upon in court, parole proceedings, or other statutory decision-making processes.

Professional Standards

All assessments are conducted in accordance with:

• APS Ethical Guidelines

• AHPRA registration standards

• Relevant legislative and policy frameworks