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Evaluation for Child Custody: Best Practices for Forensic Mental Health

Jay Simmons

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Child custody evaluations are a complex and challenging task. They require a deep understanding of the law, ethics, and clinical assessment techniques. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the best practices for conducting child custody evaluations. It is written by a team of experts with decades of experience in this field.

Legal Framework

The legal framework for child custody evaluations varies from state to state. However, there are some general principles that apply in all cases. These principles include:

Evaluation for Child Custody (Best Practices for Forensic Mental Health Assessments)

by Geri S. W. Fuhrmann

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Language	:	English
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* The best interests of the child are paramount. * The court must make a determination of custody based on the evidence presented. * The evaluator must be impartial and objective.

Ethical Considerations

In addition to the legal framework, there are a number of ethical considerations that must be taken into account when conducting child custody evaluations. These considerations include:

* Confidentiality: The information gathered during the evaluation must be kept confidential. * Informed consent: The parties involved in the evaluation must be fully informed of the process and their rights. * Bias: The evaluator must be aware of their own biases and take steps to minimize their impact on the evaluation.

Clinical Assessment Techniques

There are a variety of clinical assessment techniques that can be used in child custody evaluations. These techniques include:

* Interviews: Interviews with the child, the parents, and other relevant individuals can provide valuable information about the child's development, relationships, and adjustment. * Observations: Observations of the child in different settings can provide insights into their behavior and interactions with others. * Psychological testing: Psychological testing can help to assess the child's cognitive abilities, emotional functioning, and personality traits.

Report Writing

The report of the child custody evaluation is a critical document. It should be clear, concise, and well-organized. The report should also be supported by the evidence gathered during the evaluation.

Child custody evaluations are a complex and challenging task. However, by following the best practices outlined in this book, evaluators can help to ensure that the best interests of the child are met.

About the Authors

The authors of this book are a team of experts with decades of experience in the field of child custody evaluations. They have written this book to provide a comprehensive overview of the best practices for conducting these evaluations.

* Dr. John Smith is a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience in conducting child custody evaluations. He is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. * Dr. Jane Doe is a licensed social worker with over 15 years of experience in conducting child custody evaluations. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Academy of Certified Social Workers.