Future of counsellor in doubt
AN ex-prison psychologist who had an inappropriate relationship with two inmates and leaked information about witnesses in a drug case may never work in the field again.
Sarah Jane Florentin, 39, who worked at Palen Creek low security jail before resigning was this month sentenced to two years probation.
The Health Ombudsman suspended the registration of Florentin, who also goes by Sarah Jane Lodington, in October 2019.
According to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, whose records state Florentin was first registered in 2006, she remains suspended.
Florentin pleaded guilty in Southport Magistrates Court to two counts of abuse of office, confidential information and take or attempt to take a prohibited thing into a corrective services facility.
A Health Ombudsman spokesman said the office was aware of the court decision but could not say when a decision would be made on her future.
Florentin is now working as a disability support worker.
She began work as a psychologist at Palen Creek low security jail in December 2017 where she conducted one-onone sessions with inmates in a private office not monitored by cameras or other officers.
A Queensland Corrective Services spokesman would not say what changes had been made to the facility in the wake of the scandal. The spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment as it was still being investigated.
“We expect the highest in professional and ethical behaviour from all our officers,” a spokesman said.
Defence barrister Kerry Copley told the court Florentin was “remorseful” and “humiliated”. The court was told the likelihood of reoffending was low.
He said the offending was towards the “lower end” but conceded Florentin would likely lose her registration.