ANZAPPL (SA Branch) is pleased to present a half-day conference examining the complex challenges and emerging issues at the intersection of young people, psychology, and the justice system. Bringing together a leading judicial officer, legal and clinical practitioners, and researchers, this conference will explore contemporary issues affecting young people who come into contact with the justice system. Attendees will gain practical insights into current research, legal developments, and evidence-based approaches to assessment, intervention, and engagement. Sessions will cover: Developing practices around expert evidence about child development and behaviour in sexual abuse cases The vulnerabilities of children when interviewed as suspects Cultural awareness and effective engagement with African youth The psychology of youth gang offending and evidence-based treatment responses The conference features an outstanding line up speakers including: Her Honour Judge Lisa Dunlop (District Court of South Australia) Professor Robyn Young (Flinders University) Denis Yengi (SA Multicultural Commission / African Communities Council of South Australia) Lisa Grobleben (LG Clinical) Andrew Culshaw (Len King Chambers) Sari Krishnan (Legal Services Commission) Ellie Minney (Forensic Mental Health Service / EM Psychology). Whether you work in psychology, law, child protection, youth justice, education, or related fields, this conference offers a valuable opportunity to hear from experts at the forefront of research and practice. Places are limited. Please click here to register.

Substance use is frequently raised in parenting disputes, yet the presence of alcohol or other drugs alone tells us little about a person's capacity to parent safely. How should clinicians and legal practitioners interpret toxicology results? When does substance use translate into impairment or risk, and when might assumptions about harm be unsupported by the evidence? Join an interdisciplinary panel exploring the science of substance use and its practical application in family court proceedings. The session will provide an accessible introduction to toxicology, examine how drug type, dosage, timing, and frequency influence impairment and functioning, and discuss the implications for parenting capacity, medication interactions, and risk assessment. Drawing on real case examples, including matters where toxicology evidence was central to findings of significant harm, and others where allegations of substance use were not supported by the scientific evidence, the panel will consider how psychologists, psychiatrists, and lawyers can interpret toxicology results to inform clinical opinions and legal decision-making. This promises to be a practical, thought-provoking session for clinicians, legal practitioners, and family report writers involved in family law matters. About the presenter: Daniel Patterson is a forensic toxicologist specialising in drugs of abuse, with extensive experience providing expert evidence across a range of jurisdictions. He regularly appears in the Family Court (FCFCoA), as well as in criminal courts from Local to Supreme level in New South Wales and Queensland, and in civil matters before the Supreme Court of Queensland. He has also appeared in industrial relations forums, including the Fair Work Commission, and in tribunals such as NCAT. Registration for this event is essential. Please click here to register.