Testing in child custody evaluations: An overview of issues and uses

ABSTRACT

The use of tests in child custody evaluations is controversial. Few tests were designed specifically for use in the custody context or include norm samples of parents involved in custody disputes. Use of data derived from tests administered in the custody context can create both scientific and ethical concerns in some cases. However, surveys of child custody evaluators indicate that test usage is common and has in fact increased substantially over the past several decades. The current article reviews the literature regarding the use of tests with adults and children involved in custody disputes and cases with alleged intimate partner violence. Psychometric properties of commonly used tests are discussed, as well as the risks and limitations of test usage in custody evaluations.

KEYWORDS:

• Assessment
• assessment instruments
• divorce
• domestic violence
• intimate partner violence
• parenting

Disclosure of interest

Authors Cassandra Valerio and Connie J. Beck declare that they have no conflicts to report.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cassandra Valerio

Cassandra Valerio and Connie J. Beck, Department of Psychology, University of Arizona. Cassandra Valerio is a fifth year doctoral student in clinical psychology at the University of Arizona.

Connie J. Beck

Connie J. Beck is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Arizona.