The content of child custody evaluation reports: a forensic assessment principles-based analysis

Zelechoski, Amanda D.

doi:10.17918/etd-3025

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…These surveys have identified the evolution of such evaluations over the years, which appear to coincide with child custody guidelines. In addition, some studies have focused on child custody practice through the review of actual child custody evaluation reports (Bow & Quinnell, 2002; Horvath et al, 2002; Zelechoski, 2009). Zelechoski’s study in particular examined the congruency between forensic assessment principles and child custody report content, which is another critical influence on the standard of practice identified by Heilbrun et al (2008).Fifth, the development of specialized tools is another type of influence in developing a standard of practice.…”

Section: Implications For Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

Child custody evaluation practices: Where we were, where we are, and where we are going.

Ackerman¹,

Bow²,

Mathy³

2021

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice

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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.

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Section: Implications For Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

Child custody evaluation practices: Where we were, where we are, and where we are going.

Ackerman¹,

Bow²,

Mathy³

2021

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice

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“…He identified 29 forensic mental health assessment principles, which cover all relevant areas from obtaining the referral through conducting the evaluation and writing the report. The principles provide step-by-step guidance, which appears particularly relevant for child custody evaluators as studied by Zelechoski (2009).…”

Section: Evolution Of Child Custody Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

On developing a child custody practice.

Bow¹,

Gottlieb²

2021

Practice Innovations

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In the foreseeable future, we anticipate that a significant shortage of child custody evaluators will occur due to retirement of seasoned evaluators, and disinterest on the part of younger colleagues who view this work as excessively daunting. As a result, there is a need to recruit and develop psychologists to serve in this niche practice. We begin with a brief review of this practice area and then make concrete recommendations for those contemplating this work. Recognizing the unique challenges that exist in performing custody evaluations, we contend that this practice area also brings many rewards when we are able to assist both parents and children in successfully navigating family conflicts. We hope that this article will reduce apprehension and increase the interest of psychologists in entering this area of practice. Clinical Impact StatementWith the impending retirement of many child custody evaluators, it is critical for the field to recruit and develop new evaluators to fill this practice area. This article provides concrete suggestions for a successful and rewarding child custody practice.

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The content of child custody evaluation reports: a forensic assessment principles-based analysis

Cited by 2 publications

References 40 publications

Child custody evaluation practices: Where we were, where we are, and where we are going.

Child custody evaluation practices: Where we were, where we are, and where we are going.

On developing a child custody practice.

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