A prison psychologist, Lisa Forgione, has been allowed to return to work following a nine-month suspension after she developed an inappropriate relationship with a "high-risk" inmate. The relationship, described as "emotional and/or romantic" and of a "sexual nature," occurred between October 2019 and July 2021 while Forgione was treating the unnamed prisoner at HMP Isle of Wight.
Allegations of the inappropriate relationship surfaced in March 2021 when a staff member reported that the inmate had claimed Forgione had accepted his offer of a date. Further reports followed, alleging the prisoner told his probation officer they were in a relationship and that Forgione was sending him greeting cards and romantic messages.
Forgione was promoted to registered psychologist within HMPPS in July 2021 and relocated to HMP Winchester. She resigned from HMPPS on August 24, 2021, with her final day of employment being September 30, 2021. During her last month, she was on sick leave.
Following her resignation, the inmate reportedly instructed his family to contact Forgione, and she responded to messages from his grandmother and a call from his brother. An investigation into the alleged improper relationship was already underway at HMP Isle of Wight before her departure. In written responses to inquiries, Forgione denied any relationship or giving the impression of one, suggesting the inmate might be fabricating claims due to "personality difficulties" and a desire to "harm me."
The initial HMPPS investigation concluded that the relationship was likely fabricated, citing a lack of evidence, and the inmate was advised to stop spreading rumors.
However, in December 2021, the inmate was transferred to the Oswin Unit at Bamburgh Clinic for treatment related to personality disorders. Upon arrival, he listed Forgione as his next of kin and stated they were together. Despite her earlier denials, Forgione engaged in extensive phone and Skype calls with the inmate between December 25, 2021, and February 15, 2022, while he was an inpatient.
During a Skype session on February 4, 2022, Forgione shared photos of herself in a bikini and topless. She had also sent him a Valentine's Day card the previous day. On February 8, 2022, she showed him photos of other men and asked him to rate them.
On the same day she was contacted by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) regarding concerns about her fitness to practice, Forgione responded six days later. The inmate was subsequently transferred to HMP Frankland, where contact continued.
On May 16, 2022, they spoke via video call, during which Forgione expressed strong feelings, stating, "You make me happy. I will miss your face. I'm seeing you in less that two weeks I'm really excited. I'm with you to the end." They discussed personal details, and Forgione agreed to send more pictures. She also showed him her clothed buttocks when he inquired about her "peach."
Just four days later, Forgione wrote to the HCPC reiterating her denial of a sexual, financial, or emotional relationship. However, approximately one month later, she sent the inmate a birthday card containing topless photos and intimate messages, describing him as "my rock" and stating, "You make my life worth living."
These actions led to a renewed investigation and a hearing before the Health and Care Professionals Tribunal Service (HCPTS). A misconduct panel initially suspended Forgione for nine months. However, a subsequent review panel determined that she could return to practice in October of this year. The panel concluded that the suspension was sufficient to uphold professional standards and public confidence, finding that Forgione was no longer impaired personally or publicly.