W. G, Keilin and L. J. Bloom (1986) explored 70 issues related to child custody evaluation practices.The current study replicates Keilin and Bloom's study and looks at an additional 42 items. Two hundred and one psychologists from 39 states were surveyed about 112 aspects of child custody evaluation practices. The analysis was divided into evaluation practices, sole-joint custody decision making, and recommendations. Comparisons between the findings of this study and those of Keilin and Bloom are made. The current practice of child custody evaluations is reported.How would you perform a child custody evaluation in your practice tomorrow? What tests would you use? Who would you interview? How many sessions would you use? What fee would you charge?Before 1986, a number of models for child custody evaluations had been proposed (Chasin & Grunebaum, 1981; Jackson, Warner, Hombein, Nelson, & Fortescue, 1980;Landberg, 1982), but little empirical research had been performed to guide mental health professionals in this evaluation process. Karras and Berry (1985) provided a critical review of child custody evaluation practices up to that time.Keilin and Bloom (1986) explored and described the practices of mental health professionals in child custody evaluation procedures. They surveyed 302 psychologists, psychiatrists, and masters'-level practitioners, but only 82 fit their selection criteria and were included in their analysis. The respondents had an average of 16.1 years of clinical experience and had done an average of 156.5 custody evaluations each. The questionnaire used by Keilin and Bloom consisted of 70 items, which surveyed demographics, custody evaluation practices, and professional decision making. The results of their study, especially the tables, have been quoted widely and used repeatedly during the past decade. As a result, Keilin and Bloom's report has represented the standard of practice for psychologists performing child custody evaluations for the last 10 years. MARC J. ACKERMAN RECEIVED his PhD from the University of Georgia in 1972. He is currently a professor at the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, is the director of psychological services at Charter Behavioral Health Systems, Milwaukee, and is in independent practice. His research interests include family law cases, personal injury cases, and sexual abuse cases, and he has published books and articles for attorneys, psychologists, and the general public in these areas.

This study surveyed 213 experienced child custody evaluators utilizing the same questionnaire in the Ackerman & Ackerman 1997 and Keilin & Bloom 1986 studies. Demographic information, evaluation practices, custody decision-making, and recommendations were surveyed. Comparisons were made across all three studies to identify the similarities and differences in child custody evaluation practices over the past 20 years. This study added questions about risk management and ethical issues, and current practices in placement/access schedules. The reader is advised that not engaging in the practices performed by a majority of psychologists could result in a difficult testimony experience.

As the area of specialization of forensic psychology broadens its horizons, it will become increasingly more difficult for clinical psychologists to avoid participating in the forensic arena. As a result, clinical psychologists may be asked to write reports about therapeutic intervention or evaluations in divorce, personal injury, competency, abuse, or criminal proceedings. In this article, the author addresses the issues that the clinical psychologist needs to understand in writing reports that may be utilized in forensic settings. How these reports are affected by the American Psychological Association Ethics Code (APA; 2002), the audience receiving the report, the subject matter of the report, and dissemination of the information are all discussed in this article.

No abstract

Child custody practice has evolved over the past 35 years. The present article will review the past history, current status, and future of this practice area. A thorough review of child custody survey research will be presented, as well as applicable ethical standards and forensic/child custody guidelines. This suggests the field has advanced with established forensic procedures and methods. It is further proposed that a standard of practice has been established through child custody and forensic guidelines, the APA Ethics Code, scholarly publications, survey research findings, and evaluators' increased understanding of forensic issues (i.e., psycho-legal basis for the evaluation and admissibility criteria), which should benefit the profession, legal community, and families. Public Significance StatementA standard of practice for child custody evaluations has been established through the development of child custody and forensic guidelines, APA Ethics Code, scholarly publications, 35 years of survey research findings, and evaluators' increased understanding of forensic issues.