Relocation, Research, and Forensic Evaluation: Part Ii: Research in Support of the Relocation Risk Assessment Model

Abstract

The forensic risk assessment model for child custody relocation cases was described by Austin (2000a, 2000b). It is a research‐based, actuarial predictive model designed to assist evaluators in organizing data for the complex relocation case. It is only the first step in the forensic relocation analysis. The model can serve as a heuristic for decision makers who are in a position of trying to resolve the decisional dilemmas associated with relocation. The research basis for the model is more fully described. The fact‐driven nature of relocation cases is emphasized. Evaluators and decision makers are also encouraged to integrate descriptive data that allow for a psychological cost/benefit analysis or the relative advantages/disadvantages to the children and parents associated with relocating or not relocating. The model is intended to facilitate the process of careful investigation by evaluators and to provide a scientific framework for the forensic analysis necessary for the crafting of appropriate parenting plans.

Bench Book for Assessing Parental Gatekeeping in Parenting Disputes: Understanding the Dynamics of Gate Closing and Opening for the Best Interests of Children

“…FG is an essential risk management component in the implementation of a long distance plan. How gatekeeping analysis is applied to relocation cases has been discussed in the literature (Austin, 2008(Austin, , 2012. Judges usually are not going to approve a proposed relocation when there has been Unjustified RG, but the fact pattern and/or legal context may result in a child relocating with the parent even though there is an unfavorable pattern of gatekeeping.…”

A Critical Review of Relocation Research Specific to Separation and Divorce

“…Research that explores the impact of local moves on children in multiple contexts has been relied on within the court system in the absence of empirical evidence on the impact of relocation specific to the context of separation and divorce (Austin, 2008a(Austin, , 2008b(Austin, , 2012Braver et al, 2003;Kelly & Lamb, 2003;Wallerstein & Lewis, 1998), such as studies that have reported connections between a students' mobility and poorer academic and developmental outcomes (Wood et al, 1993). Caution is needed when interpreting these results and generalizing them to a separation and divorce context given that studies that examine mobility in general do not always account for mediators that could be affecting the negative outcomes associated in the literature with frequent mobility, such as employment issues or living in high-risk areas.…”

Relocation Issues in Child Custody Evaluations: A Survey of Professionals

“…Moreover, it is important to compare the child's likely adjustment, well-being, and development associated with the two proposed residential living arrangements (Austin, 2000a(Austin, , 2008b. First, more than any other type of custody dispute, evaluators need to be well versed in the legal statutes and case law, child custody procedures, and relevant divorce/relocation literature.…”

“…The literature supports this possibility, suggesting a heightened risk for relationship harm when the distance between the households is greater and the children are younger (Austin, 2008b(Austin, , 2010Hetherington & Kelly, 2002;McHenry, Price, Fine, & Serovich, 1992). The moving parents wants to relocate with the children in order to improve their quality of life and/or to pursue new opportunities, such as better job, new relationship, family support, and so on.…”

“…The moving parents wants to relocate with the children in order to improve their quality of life and/or to pursue new opportunities, such as better job, new relationship, family support, and so on. The relocation risk assessment forensic model (Austin, 2000a(Austin, , 2008b is the only available forensic model and appears to be widely used by evaluators in the United States. The nonmoving parents commonly assert that the other parent is trying to marginalize him or her and "alienate" the children.…”