Investigative vs. Clinical Emphasis in Child Custody Evaluation: A Reflection on Austin and Kirkpatrick(2004)

ABSTRACT

There is an ongoing discussion regarding the role of psychologists in child custody relative to clinical vs. investigative roles. The issues revolve around how expansive or how limited a professional might be in addressing the concerns of families, adults and children in high conflict custody cases. In the article, the investigative or more maximalist role is discussed in the light of the alternative more clinical or minimalist stance. An argument is advanced that we may be limited to a more clinical/minimalist role if we are to stay within the confines of research informed practice standards.

KEYWORDS:

• Investigative
• clinical emphasis
• child custody
• fact evidence
• expert evidence
• pragmatics