Forensic Behavior Analysis Special Interest Group – 2025 SIG Update

By Timothy J. Templin

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has been useful in addressing societal problems related to the criminal justice field: for example, the role of teaching family homes in reducing recidivism and prison drug programs. An important impact has been on the treatment of adolescents and children to improve parenting for conduct disorder and reduce aggressive behavior and assaults in school.

Our Special Interest Group (SIG) is Forensic Behavior Analysis (FBA). We have been producing newsletters and video content for our members. Our total membership is now 3,213 at the time of this writing.

Our mission is to ensure that those in the criminal justice fields have access to appropriate, evidence-based, behavior analytic, therapeutic resources to reduce crime and delinquency. SIG members have testified on behavioral intervention to reduce crime. Continued advocacy and research are needed to make behavior analytic services available to criminal justice, mental health, military and veterans’ fields and to document the efficacy of behavior analysis in these applications. Our SIG members have provided trainings on lie detection, child welfare, and forensic case conceptualization.

A group of our SIG members presented at a previous ABAI Convention Workshop:

ABAI 50th Annual Convention in Philadelphia, PA. Details are below:

Title: The Analysis of Crime: Forensic Behavioral Case Conceptualization

Workshop #W12, Thursday, May 28th, 2024; Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Upcoming Presentation by SIG Members:

ABAI 51st Annual Convention in Washington, DC. Details are below:

Title: Bridging Behavior Analysis and Forensic Settings: Innovations and Challenges

Panel #361

Location: Convention Center, Street Level, 158 AB

Date: Monday, May 26th, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM

Description: This panel will explore emerging trends in forensic behavior analysis, including the integration of technology in assessments and interventions, and the ongoing research driving this evolving field. Panelists will examine the complexities of understanding criminal behavior and mental health through applied behavior analysis (ABA), focusing on the challenges of implementing function-based consequence interventions for populations often unaffected by social consequences. Potential intervention strategies tailored to these unique needs will be discussed, along with implications for treatment through successful, evidence-based interventions designed to reduce recidivism. The panel will also explore the development and validation of risk assessment tools informed by behavior analytic principles, comparing these methods with traditional approaches and addressing reliability and ethical considerations. Ethical dilemmas, such as issues of consent, coercion, and the dual roles of practitioners, will be critically examined to guide best practices. Challenges and opportunities in collaborating with law enforcement, legal professionals, and correctional systems will be addressed, with an emphasis on strategies for effective communication and advocacy of behavior analytic approaches.

Objectives:

Understanding Criminal Behavior: Explore the complexities of criminal behavior and mental health issues through applied behavior analysis (ABA).
Risk Assessment Tools: Discuss the development and validation of risk assessment tools based on behavior analytic principles, comparing them with traditional methods while addressing reliability and ethical implications.
Intervention Strategies: Address the challenges of implementing function-based interventions for populations resistant to social consequences, showcasing successful strategies that apply behavioral principles.
Ethical Considerations: Analyze ethical dilemmas in forensic behavior analysis, including consent, coercion, and the dual roles of practitioners as assessors and interventionists.

A quarterly meeting is planned for the SIG to further the goals of improving our website, increasing membership and offering career advice for those interested in this exciting field. A monthly meeting is scheduled for SIG officers.

SIG Officers:

Presley Wanner

Forensic Behavior Analysis Special Interest Group – Chair

Kodey Lai

Forensic Behavior Analysis Special Interest Group – Vice Chair

Timothy J. Templin, MA, BCBA

Forensic Behavior Analysis Special Interest Group – Director of Public Relations

Mark Harvey

Forensic Analysis Special Interest Group – By Laws Development