Since 2023 Walter M. Fontanini has worked in prisons in Turin on a psychological project commissioned by the competent authorities, concerning incarcerated parents, including mothers detained with their infants.

The work combines psychometric screening, the supervision of a team of psychologists, and individual psychological support for anxiety, depression and parenting under custodial conditions. In 2025 he also designed and delivered workshops for correctional staff on post-traumatic stress, burnout and compassion fatigue.

In Hungary he acts as psychometric advisor for juvenile correctional facilities. This applied work informs his teaching of criminal psychology.