Psychologists as expert witnesses: survey results from the expert witness advisory group (EWAG)

Craig, Leam A.

doi:10.1108/jfp-11-2020-0048

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…That expert witness role continues to this day (Craig, 2021), and while the specific tests used may have changed, the practice of administering an individual cognitive test continues, as does the use of the term mental age in some medico‐legal settings internationally, with judges relying on cognitive tests to inform their decision making (Callow et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mental age and intellectual disability: Psychologists' perspectives on the use of the term ‘mental age’ as it relates to adults with an intellectual disability

Rogers,

McGuire

2024

Policy Practice Intel Disabi

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Despite the growing international move away from the term ‘mental age’, the term continues to be used in some settings with adults with an intellectual disability. Arguably, the construct of ‘mental age’ conflicts with current rights‐based approaches yet its continued use suggests that it may have certain utilities. This study aimed to explore the use of the construct of mental age in the context of supporting adults with an intellectual disability in Ireland, and its perceived value and limitations in clinical practice. Forty‐three psychologists in Ireland responded to a 10‐item online survey using a mix of closed and open‐ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used and analysis was informed by reflexive thematic analysis. Twenty of the 43 respondents reported that mental age continues to be used in clinical practice. Analysis was informed by reflexive thematic analysis and identified five main themes: (1) negative connotations, (2) inconsistent with best practice, (3) supporting the person with an intellectual disability, (4) communicating about the person with intellectual disability and (5) moving on from mental age. The findings suggest that this construct is considered problematic and limited in its meaning and while there is a desire for change, there are challenges in finding an alternative method of communicating information about ability in a brief and easily understood way.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mental age and intellectual disability: Psychologists' perspectives on the use of the term ‘mental age’ as it relates to adults with an intellectual disability

Rogers,

McGuire

2024

Policy Practice Intel Disabi

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“…Calls for evidence-informed practice transcend professional and disciplinary boundaries (Horwitz et al, 2014;Herbert and Bromfield, 2019). In some countries, problems around the availability of experts to conduct such evaluations, as well as problems around access to training for new practitioners have occupied the debate (Family Divison Working Group on Medical Experts in the Family Courts, 2020; Craig, 2021). Further, differences in practices are also evident in the overlap of cases in child custody, child maltreatment, and criminal law (e.g., in cases where a family member is accused of violence against a child and child custody proceedings are ongoing).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

International perspective on guidelines and policies for child custody and child maltreatment risk evaluations: A preliminary comparative analysis across selected countries in Europe and North America

et al. 2022

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Little knowledge exists on how evaluators in child custody and child maltreatment cases are informed by guidelines, the kinds of qualifications required and the types of training provided in different countries. The purpose of this paper is to provide an international preliminary comparison on how child custody and child maltreatment risk assessments are conducted in selected Western countries, and how the assessments are informed by best practice guidelines. Another aim is to increase knowledge on how the guidelines and best-practice standards could be developed further to reflect recent research findings. A total number of 18 guidelines were included in the analyses: four from Canada, five from the United States, three from the United Kingdom, three from the Netherlands, two from Finland, and one from Germany. We conducted a content analysis of the included guidelines in the database, focusing on how the guidelines address the best interest of the child criteria, guidelines for conducting the assessments, considerations for evaluative criteria, and specific guidance for conducting specific assessment procedures (e.g., interviews and observations). Findings show that the qualifications of and training provided to evaluators in child custody and child maltreatment risk evaluations are largely heterogeneous across the countries represented. Guidelines differ in whether and how they highlight the importance of evidence-based practices and scientifically validated assessment measures. Implications are drawn from the review and contextualized by international expert authors in the fields of forensic psychology, and family law. After the content analysis, discussion sessions within the expert group were held. The authors provide both commentaries and suggestions to improve the development of standard methods for conducting both child custody and child maltreatment risk evaluations and to consider a more transparent and judicious use of social science research to guide methods and the recommendations offered within these assessments.

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