Exploring the Practices, Trends, and Future Directions of Forensic Psychology in the Philippines

Abstract

Forensic psychology is an emerging field in the Philippines. For this reason, an exploration in the practices, trends and future directions in the field is imperative. Hence, this study focused on identifying the common qualifications and credentials of professionals in the forensic psychology in the Philippines; the necessary skills in fulfilling a career in the field; the areas of professional practice in forensic psychology in the country; the ways of engagement of professionals in forensic settings; the various issues and challenges faced by the practitioners; the necessary improvements for forensic psychology in order to advance as a professional practice in the country. This descriptive study utilized a researcher-made questionnaire formatted in checklist-multiple response and forced choice ranking styles. Professionals who hold licenses in the field of social work, psychology, and guidance and counselling were visited in the offices and clinics for data collection. On the preference of some respondents, an alternative online survey form was also provided. Data collected were presented frequency counts, percentage distribution and ranking. This study involved 35 professionals engaged in the field of forensic psychology. Majority of them were master’s degree holders (42.86%) and are in the field of forensic for 1 to 5 years (51.43%). Twelve (12) of them are registered social worker; five (5) were registered guidance counselor; nine (9) were registered psychologist; and another nine (9) were registered psychometricians. Results revealed that psychological testing skills, clinical strengths, and ethical uprightness are the necessary skills for forensic psychology practitioners. Meanwhile, the major line of practice were in VAWC cases, child custody evaluations, competency assessment to stand in trial and annulment. They were engage in the practice through referrals from other professionals. The challenges and issues facing the field were concerns on confidentiality, neglect in the mental health of the clients, lack of graduate or post-graduate training, appropriate skills in assessment, professional fee concerns and conflict of interest among and between allied professionals and the referring party. Measures for professional advancement of the status of Philippine forensic psychology as suggested by the respondents include more relevant trainings and workshops, offering of graduate or post-graduate courses, conduct of local empirical researches and additional professional certification specifying forensic practitioners.