PSYCHOLOGY INTERN’S ROLE AT THE COORDINATOR OF PENAL ALTERNATIVES OF CEARÁ: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

This article presents an experience report on the work of a Psychology intern at the Coordinator of Penal Alternatives of Ceará (COAP), a service responsible for the psychosocial monitoring of individuals serving non-custodial sentences. The objective is to analyze how activities such as screening, qualified listening, and referrals contributed to the development of professional competencies and to the understanding of the dynamics involved in penal alternatives. The methodology was based on the systematization of the internship experience, articulated with theoretical references from Legal Psychology, the National Policy of Penal Alternatives, and Restorative Justice. The results indicate that the experience expanded the understanding of social vulnerabilities present in users’ trajectories, enhanced technical listening skills, and highlighted the importance of institutional and academic supervision. It is concluded that the internship at COAP is a significant formative practice that strengthens ethical commitment, intersectoral action, and the humanization of practices within the justice system.