This book presents a straightforward, step-by-step protocol for mental health professionals who evaluate child custody cases. Child custody disputes are complicated. For psychologists and others starting their careers in forensic custody assessments, the multitude of legal, ethical, and clinical issues can be daunting, and the risk of causing emotional injury is real. This book explains the complex judicial and legal requirements of child custody evaluations. The authors review the legal evidentiary standards that pertain to psychological testing, scientific evidence, and the expert witness testimony used in the court system. Most importantly, they present a clear, step-by-step evaluation protocol that has been used successfully in thousands of cases for over fifteen years, and has been demonstrated to minimize the risk of suits or complaints. Useful for novice and seasoned evaluators alike, this new edition adheres to updated principles of procedural justice, and reflects the latest in standards of fairness, objectivity, and transparency.
