Forensic Assessments and Reports

SC Consulting is an independent psychological practice focusing exclusively on the provision of forensic psychological assessments, reports and expert witness testimonies for all stages of the judicial process across the full breadth of criminal matters in the Magistrates, County and Supreme Courts.

Expertise

Extensive experience in the application of psychological principles, theories and skills to the criminal justice system

Quality

Comprehensive psychological evaluations backed by empirical evidence and psychometric tools

Service

Prompt and reliable professional service upholding the highest standard of quality and integrity

Assessments and Reports

Sandra’s sound knowledge of theoretical frameworks, work with individuals across the full life span, and experience in multiple areas of psychology and settings have equipped her with expertise to deal with complex forensic presentations.

Her assessments extend beyond reliance on self-disclosures and self-report measures. Sandra’s case formulations are based on detailed forensic and evidence-based (semi)structured clinical interviews, and are backed by utilisation of highly-validated and relevant intellectual, clinical, personality and cognitive instruments which withstand the scrutiny of prosecution and Courts.

Her comprehensive psychological evaluations are focused on clearly defining the nexus between psychopathology and offending. Offending specific risk assessments, applicability of Verdins and Bugmy principles, mental health/cognitive impairment defence and fitness to stand trial are considered in relevant cases and appropriately reported.

Sandra provides expert witness testimonies and reports for all stages of the judicial process including bail, appeal and ARC applications, plea and pre-sentencing hearings and evidentiary reports. Her extensive experience encompasses the full breadth of criminal matters in both juvenile and adult justice system.

Her ongoing commitment to professional development in the field of forensic psychology ensures that she is informed about current leading and best practice approaches. Favouring quality over quantity, her assessments are comprehensive, relevant, and informative.

Offending matters

Theft
Deception
Property damage
Violent offending
Threats
Sexual offences
Firearms offences
Homicide
Family violence
Driving offences
Drug offences
Contraventions of Court-imposed orders

Theft

Deception

Property damage

Violent offending

Threats

Sexual offences

Firearms offences

Homicide

Family violence

Driving offences

Drug offences

Contraventions of Court-imposed orders

Reports

Bail applications
Plea hearing
Pre-sentence indication
Appeals
ARC application
DTO applications
Sentencing hearings
Fitness to plead
Mental health/cognitive
impairment defence
Doli incapax

Assessments

Sandra Cokorilo

BSc, Grad. Dip Psych, BSc(Hons)Psych, MPSych

Sandra has an honours degree in Psychology from The University of Melbourne and a masters degree in Psychology from The Cairnmilllar Institute. She is a registered psychologist with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and a member of Australian Psychological Society and Australian Association of Psychologist Inc.

Her experience encompasses assessments, diagnosis and treatment of children, adolescents, adults and families in educational, occupational, community and private practice settings. Since 2018 her primary focus has been in the field of forensic psychology where she has gained extensive experience.

Her practice is dedicated exclusively to psychological assessments of criminal offenders with a particular interest in the relationship between offending and early developmental adversity, personality pathology and cognitive deficits.

An advocate for the rights and rehabilitative treatment of individuals involved in the criminal justice system, she is driven by the passion to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

Her practice is grounded in evidence-based theories and scientific methodologies backed by diverse knowledge of psychopathology and sound understanding of the justice system. She relies on relevant, highly validated cognitive and psychometric tools to inform impartial clinical judgement and diagnoses, and remains strongly committed to ongoing professional development.

She invests in building strong relationships with referring law firms and favours a consultative approach aimed at promoting mutual value and professional growth and knowledge.

Referral process

SC Consulting accepts referrals for all reports types and criminal offences. At a minimum it will be necessary to indicate the type of report sought, provide client’s contact details or CRN, and submit preliminary brief(s), charge sheets, and criminal priors. Often this is all that is required to accept the referral and schedule the assessment. However, any prior psychological reports and MHARS summary reports are welcome, as are Letters of Instruction.

Once the referral is accepted an assessment will promptly be scheduled and confirmation will be emailed to the referring source. Out of custody clients will be requested to attend their law firm’s offices for a videoconference assessment. Clients requiring full intellectual testing for the purposes of a formal diagnosis of Intellectual Disability will need to attend SC Consulting Melbourne office in person.

Reports are typically produced within two weeks of accepting the referral, but can be submitted sooner when necessary and requested at the time of making the referral.

Fees

Both VLA and privately funded referrals are accepted.

Fee for privately funded reports is $2,500 (inc GST) and is payable at least 24 hours before the scheduled assessment.

Whilst SC Consulting accepts VLA matters, the standard scheduled VLA fees are reserved for simple matters that do not involve violent or sexual offending and the client does not present with complex psychopathology or cognitive deficits.

All cases where the offending involves violent or sexual elements, multiple matters, complex psychopathology, cognitive deficits, or personality disorders will incur a 1,500 (inc GST) fee and will require an application to VLA for non-standard disbursement. An itemised quote will be provided to the referrer.

The onus is on the referring source to report any concerns about cognitive deficits, reduced intellectual capacity, or complex psychopathology at the time of making the referral. The higher fee associated with such reports allows for resources to accommodate extended clinical interview and testing necessary to provide a comprehensive report that appropriately addresses the client’s mental health, risk and protective factors relevant to defence and sentencing.