Dr Dimitra Lattas (University of the Sunshine Coast) has been recognised by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology for her innovative doctoral research advancing forensic social work education and trauma-aware justice practice. PacifiCrim caught up with Dimi to learn more about her award-winning research, what this recognition means to her, and what’s next as she continues to shape the future of forensic social work.
What does receiving this ANZSOC award mean to you?
Receiving the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology PhD candidate award is an immense honour. My research is inherently interdisciplinary, and this award affirms the value of work that sits at the intersection of criminology, social work, and justice practice. It is especially meaningful to have this recognised by such a respected scholarly community, and I am grateful for ANZSOC’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging researchers and innovative scholarship in the field.
Could you briefly describe the work or contribution recognised by this award?
This award recognises my research applying the Power Threat Meaning Framework to policing contexts through a social work lens. The direction of this work emerged from my practice experience with young people and grew into an exploration of how experiences of power, threat, and trauma shape interactions between police and young people. It examines how interdisciplinary approaches can extend the theoretical application of the Power Threat Meaning Framework into justice and policing contexts. I am hopeful that this paper’s recognition through this award will increase the use of the PTM framework and its underlying principles across criminology, policing, and social work practice.
What impact do you hope your work will have on communities, policy, or the field?
My work promotes a more trauma-aware and socially responsive approach within policing and criminal justice systems. At a time when public and political rhetoric around youth crime continues to intensify, it is critical that conversations about how structural inequality, trauma, and power shape young people’s contact with police remain central. Across my research, I seek to advance frameworks that strengthen industry involvement and encourage interdisciplinary scholarship. I am particularly interested in promoting greater collaboration in education and training between criminologists, police, and social workers, similar to models currently emerging in the United States.
What’s next for you? Any projects or goals that you’re excited about?
I am currently joining the University of Tennessee as a Fulbright Scholar for eight months, where my work will focus on strengthening forensic social work education through international collaboration. During this time, I am leading two projects. The first examines the specialist skills and effective practices required of forensic social workers supporting young people involved in the criminal justice system, particularly children aged 10 to 14. The second uses a Delphi method to build consensus on the knowledge and competencies required for forensic social work practice in the United States, with the aim of informing curriculum design and professional standards. I am also excited to collaborate with faculty and students on simulation development and innovative approaches to workforce training, and to build partnerships that will support the next generation of forensic social workers globally.
What advice would you give to ECRs or emerging professionals in criminology?
My advice is to actively connect with practitioners and researchers in your field. Build networks early, and ensure your research includes a clear plan for translation and dissemination. The communities and practice contexts you study should be central to the design and implementation of your research, guiding both its focus and impact.
