Evaluation for Child Custody: Using Best Practices in a Worst Case Scenario

Abstract

Evaluation for child custody is one of the most criticized areas of forensic mental health assessment due to the perceived lack of standardization in evaluation methods. However, the field of child custody evaluation has made significant progress in the last two decades with respect to empirical research, professional resources available to evaluators, and an increasing emphasis on standards of practice. These advances have made it possible to work toward a best-practices model for child custody evaluation. This case report reviews the empirical basis for one best-practices model and applies the model to a complex child custody evaluation vignette. Additional practice recommendations are also provided.

Keywords:

• child custody
• forensic assessment
• best practices
• visitation
• civil forensic evaluation

Notes

¹ The term professional directives is used throughout to refer broadly to professional practice guidelines, standards, and parameters.

² The term resources is used throughout to refer broadly to books and articles published to provide information on conducting an “ideal” or comprehensive child custody evaluation.

³ Identifying information has been removed or modified to protect confidentiality.