The Child Custody Evaluation Report: Toward an Integrated Model of Practice

Abstract

Though child custody evaluations (CCEs) are one of the most important services that guide and inform decision making in many of the most difficult family law cases, the absence of a practical and theoretical framework for report writing is a glaring omission in the field. Current professional practice standards for CCEs emphasize the importance of a scientifically based methodology but offer few guidelines or aspirational principles regarding how a report should be constructed. This article presents a framework for report writing that integrates forensic and clinical perspectives while addressing the multiple client systems served by the report. Emphasis is given to creating a “usefulness” standard that not only serves the court but also enhances settlement possibilities and assists the family to move forward after the completed evaluation.

KEYWORDS:

• divorce
• child custody
• forensic psychology
• child custody evaluations
• family court