Custody & Caring

✨ That’s a wrap on the 19th Biennial Custody & Caring International Conference on the Nurse’s Role in the Criminal Justice System! ✨

Over the past three days, we’ve shared research, built connections, sparked conversations, and strengthened our community of practice. Thank you to all presenters, participants, and supporters who made this year’s conference such a success. 💜

Until we meet again—mark your calendars for the 20th Biennial Custody & Caring Conference in 2027! We look forward to continuing this vital work together. 🌍🩺

🎓 Student Research Poster Competition – Custody & Caring 2025

We are proud to celebrate the next generation of researchers and practitioners who showcased their important work in the Student Research Poster Competition at the 19th Biennial Custody & Caring International Conference:

🥇 First Place
Poster Title: Exploring the Role of Families in Forensic Mental Health in Ontario and Quebec, Canada
Authors: Ms. Jennifer Neves (PhD Student), Dr. Jean-Laurent Domingue, Vincent Martin-Schreiber (PhD Student)

🥈 Second Place
Poster Title: Exploring the Perceptions and Experiences of Mental Health Nurses Regarding the Practice of Mental Health Nursing in Ghana: An Interpretive Descriptive Study
Author: John Kwame Fiagbe

🥉 Third Place
Poster Title: Collaborative Mental Health Services Act Implementation for Health Equity in Saskatchewan’s Provincial Correctional Centres
Author: Courtney Lamothe (Masters Student)

👏 Congratulations to all our student presenters for their dedication, innovation, and contributions to advancing mental health and justice-focused research.

Research Poster Competition Results – Custody & Caring 2025

We are thrilled to recognize the outstanding contributions of our research poster presenters at the 19th Biennial Custody & Caring International Conference:

🥇 First Place
Poster Title: The Voice of Marginalized Nurses Who Care for Marginalized Patients
Authors: Dr. Miranda Bevilacqua & Rylan Copeman (MN Student)

🥈 Second Place
Poster Title: Paws & Patients: Therapy Dogs Guiding Patient Oriented Forensic Research
Authors: Stacy Wallace, Rachel Hafner, Grace Rath, Dr. Linzi Williamson, Dr. Colleen Anne Dell & RPC Patient Partners

Congratulations to all presenters for their remarkable work and for advancing scholarship in justice and forensic care. 👏✨

The 19th Biennial Custody & Caring International Conference on the Nurse’s Role in the Criminal Justice System concluded with a powerful keynote delivered by our very own planning committee member, Dr. Liz Walsh.

Dr. Walsh’s presentation, “What is the Cost of Caring?”, explored the professional and personal challenges faced by nurses supporting people in touch with the justice system. She emphasized the importance of reflection, compassionate practice, and creating supportive environments that sustain both patient safety and the wellbeing of healthcare professionals.

We are deeply grateful to Dr. Walsh for sharing her expertise and for her continued leadership in advancing justice and forensic nursing. 💜

This afternoon, attendees of the 19th Biennial Custody & Caring Conference gathered for a powerful keynote by Dr. Kristin Merss, PhD, RN. Her presentation, “What is Risk? Considerations for Nursing and Custody,” explored the complexities of prison health care—especially the challenges of caring for older adults in correctional settings.

Dr. Merss shed light on how security and health care intersect, emphasizing the unique role of nurses in balancing medical needs with custodial constraints. Her insights on aging populations, chronic conditions, and the importance of navigating the nurse–custody officer relationship offered critical perspectives for advancing care in secure environments.

🔗 Learn more about her work here: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/ijih/article/view/42574/32821

This morning at the 19th Biennial Custody & Caring Conference, we were honored to welcome Dr. Holly Graham as our keynote speaker.

Dr. Graham presented:
“CPR RACISM: A Guide for Health Care Providers to Address Racism in Health Care.”

Her keynote emphasized truth, reconciliation, and the responsibility of health care providers to address inequities rooted in colonization and systemic racism. She shared powerful insights, practical tools, and reflections to support health care providers in advancing equity and reconciliation.

For more on Dr. Graham’s work, explore her article: 👉 https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/ijih/article/view/42574/32821

💬 Thank you, Dr. Graham, for your impactful keynote and leadership.

Listening and learning at 2025 conference! Signed, being educated Molly
Custody & Caring

We’re wrapping up Day 1 of the conference with poster viewing & a reception in the foyer from 4:00–6:30 PM!

Explore insightful poster presentations, connect with colleagues, and enjoy complimentary light appetizers with a cash bar available. A perfect way to end the first day—learning, networking, and celebrating together!

We were honoured to welcome Guy Felicella, Addiction Support Advocate, as the keynote speaker at the 19th Biennial International Conference on the Nurse’s Role in the Criminal Justice System.

In his keynote “Overcoming”, Guy shared his journey of resilience—overcoming trauma, gangs, addiction, prison, and mental health challenges—and how he rebuilt his life through recovery. He spoke passionately about drug policy reform and emphasized how human connection can change the direction of people’s lives.

Thank you, Guy, for inspiring us with your courage, honesty, and hope. 🌟

🔗 Learn more about Guy’s story: https://guyfelicella.com/about-guy-1

Guy Felicella and I wouldn't have the life that I have today without RECOVERY. We need both."

🙏 A huge thank you to Dr. Nathaniel Day for opening the 19th Biennial Custody & Caring: International Conference on the Nurse’s Role in the Criminal Justice System with his inspiring keynote address.

His session, “Caring with Courage: Innovation, Impact, and Purpose in Correctional Health Care,” highlighted the power of innovation, outcome-driven care, and the importance of avoiding co-dependency in supporting some of our most vulnerable populations.

Your insights on telehealth, opioid treatment, and discharge planning set the tone for meaningful discussions throughout the conference.