ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to examine the central role of groups within forensic practice. Rehabilitative services in criminal justice systems (CJS) across the world are increasingly taking place in group settings. Furthermore, staff decisions about the progression of clients also tend to occur in groups, such as parole board hearings or multi-disciplinary staff groups. Those who come into contact with the CJS are also faced with may group membership decisions. The stages of group formation and group socialisation over time are considered, while exploring how these key concepts might improve group delivery in forensic settings. The limitations of the Risk Needs Responsivity model, the increasingly manualisation of interventions and the narrow lens of what is deemed ‘criminogenic’ are considered. Concepts of groupthink and group polarisation are explored from the perspective of their potential relevance to professional group decision making when practitioners are making assessments about risk and progression. The role of supervision, reflective practice and trauma informed practice are explored as potential safeguards against these processes.
