Applying attachment theory in the criminal justice system

About this webinar

Applying attachment theory in the criminal justice system 

Thursday 15 June 2023

This webinar is an opportunity to hear about attachment theory and what it means for practitioners working in the Early Years in England. As well as an overview of attachment theory, attendees will also hear about a critique of the theory, particularly from a wider social perspective and learn how to apply theory to practice in a culturally-sensitive way.

Speakers will use the criminal justice system as a case study of how to apply attachment theory in a real world setting but the take-aways will also be applicable to practitioners working in the wider early years.

Content will include the infant-caregiver relationship, perinatal mental health and the idea of equivalence of care (not being equivalent), and how attachment and mentalization-based theory can be used both in prisons and in communities with the wider family unit as well as the principle caregivers.

There will be short presentations from speakers as well as discussion and Q&A.

Speakers:

• Prof. Peter Fonagy, OBE FMedSci FBA FAcSS PhD is Professor of Psychoanalysis and Developmental Science and Head of the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences at University College London; Chief Executive of the Anna Freud Centre, London
• Kirsty Kitchen, Head of Policy and Communications, Birth Companions
• Dr Christy Pitfield, Principal Clinical Psychologist and Clinical lead Perinatal Mental Health Service, Central and North West London NHS FT HMP Bronzefield
• Caroline Pontvert, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist, Perinatal Mental Health Service - Health & Justice Services Directorate, Central and North West London NHS FT
• [Chair] Claudia Coussins, Deputy Head of the Early Years and Prevention Department, the Anna Freud Centre