The criteria used respectively by mental health professionals and legal professionals in child custody assessments are reviewed. The review concentrates on case precedents and the psychological literature in an attempt to delineate the major criteria on which custody decisions are based. Differences in assumptions between the two groups of professionals are highlighted.'n Oorsig word gegee van die kriteria wat in voogdyskapgevalle gebruik word deur professionele persone in die geestesgesondheids-en wetlike beroepe. Die oorsig konsentreer op gevallepresedente en die sielkundige literatuur in 'n poging om die hoofkriteria te beskryf waarop besluite aangaande voogdyskap gebaseer is. Verskille in die veronderstellings van persone in hierdie twee professies word uitgelig.

Close scrutiny of legal precedents and psychological literature has revealed significant differences in the views of legal and mental health professionals regarding the major criteria used in custody decisions. This article carries the investigation further and considers empirically the responses to the criteria of these two groups of professionals in South Africa. Findings show subtle but significant differences between them, particularly with regard to the ‘child’ dimension of the ‘best interests’ concept. The implications for mental health professionals in their evaluation of custody cases, and in their giving of testimony, are underscored.

London Hogarth Press, 1977) (pp. 186) Price: R13,60 (Hard cover), R6,15 (Soft cover)