Guidelines for Submission 

 
The ICPA Programme Committee invites individuals, agencies and organisations interested in presenting papers at the Association's 2020 Annual Conference, to submit proposals for consideration. The theme of the 22nd Annual Conference is “Collaboration in Corrections: Partnerships for Success”.

The conference will be hosted by the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department and held in Hong Kong, China, from 25-30 October 2020, at the Hotel Nina et Convention Centre in Tsuen Wan.

The ICPA is concerned with promoting ethical, efficient and effective community and custodial Corrections. Providing a safe, secure, humane, and healthy environment for those committed to Corrections by the Courts is an absolute priority. Correctional systems around the world must also strive to support positive change to enable successful and productive reintegration into society.

Collaborative partnerships involving different professional disciplines within Corrections and between Corrections and external agencies; government departments; community groups; and other outside bodies (NGOs) are a key feature of many systems. This Conference will focus on how effective partnerships are developed and implemented within Correctional systems around the world.

We invite submissions from both public and private sector practitioners, the non-government sector, academics and researchers, justice officials, international organisations, consultants and others engaged in prisons, correctional services or community corrections, and contributing to the future directions of corrections. Papers will be selected for presentation in the following formats:

  • Plenary – a presentation to which all conference participants are invited
  • Workshop – up to seven 90 minute workshop sessions are held simultaneously with one to three papers being presented in each session.

Innovative approaches to the presentation of the papers are encouraged, including panel discussions, use of small groups, electronic media and other suitable interactive approaches. Presenters are asked to identify their preferred presentation format. The final determination with respect to presentation type will however be made by the Programme Committee.

In selecting papers, priority will be given to those clearly related to the Conference theme. Selection will have regard for the analysis of successful partnerships and evidence of a strong and objective research/empirical base that supports applied practices.

Preference will be given to: papers where both/all parties in the partnership participate in the presentation; and, where there is a focus on the processes of developing and maintaining the partnership, the challenges and ‘what works’, from the perspectives of each of the partners.

Of particular interest are Partnership Programs, Practice, Policies and Research relating to the development of innovative approaches for promoting desistance from crime and elaborating on the ICPA’s Strategic Focal Points:
  • Effective Community Corrections – including alternative measures and post-release and aftercare services
  • Investment in Staff
  • Offender Population-Specific Strategies – particularly strategies to intervene with women, youth, the drug addicted, the mentally ill and approaches for reducing and/or managing pre-trial detainees
  • Reducing Reoffending more broadly

All submissions are to adhere to the following template and the overall submission is not to exceed one page.
  • Purpose of the paper
  • Short description of the:
               ○ program, service or product and its relevance to the conference theme
               ○ strategy and implementation
               ○ outcomes
               ○ evaluation
               ○ challenges

In the case of research presentations, submissions should make clear whether the research has been completed or is a work in progress and it should be evident in what way the research has had practical application. ICPA members and Board of Directors place high value on “applied research” findings that are directly applicable to contemporary and emerging correctional policies, practices and operations.

It is ICPA policy that presenters do not promote their own commercial products and services during any presentation. This does not exclude describing the manner in which some aspect of correctional service delivery can be undertaken, or the infrastructure and technology that may be used. The ICPA Conference is not however a place for marketing particular products or solutions.

Joint papers describing partnerships between public sector agencies implementing strategies and programs with private sector companies providing enabling support in which both parties present are welcome. Where private sector involvement in corrections is to be presented, we expect and we will give priority where public agency partners are included as co-presenters.

The working language of the conference is English. Should you wish to present in any other language you are asked to provide your own interpreter.

Online submissions are to be made in English, including:
  • The abstract submission form completed in its entirety. Please keep this concise and to the point (no longer than 1 page);
  • A short ½ page or less professional biography/resume for the author and co-authors intending to participate in the presentation.

When lodging submissions, all fields must be completed before clicking the "submit abstract" button. All correspondence will be directed to the primary speaker, this includes requests for further information and conveying of decisions concerning acceptance/rejection of submissions.

Closing date for submissions: 30 April 2020
Plenary sessions confirmed and presenters notified: 31 May 2020
Workshop papers confirmed and primary speakers notified: 30 June 2020
Notification of workshop sessions date and duration (30, 45, 90 minutes): 31 July 2020

Questions and requests for further information should be directed in the first instance to the ICPA Executive Office via email at icpaannualconference@icpa.org. 

Please note that ICPA does not provide financial support or assistance for speakers. All presenters will be required to cover their own expenses for conference registration fees, travel and accommodation.

Accepted presenters must register for the Conference to be included on the programme.