Forensic Psychology & Child Custody Essay

" (Franklin, 2006, p.1) Assessed are personality factors and an attempt is made to determine which parents is closer to the children on a psychological level.

The children are evaluated as well in an examination that involves the psychological assessing he emotional connection of the child to each of the child's parents. As well the psychologist examines whether the children appear to have any psychological problems of a significant nature. School adjustment is examined as well are any behavioral problems at school and as well an examination is conducted regarding the child's involvement in school, the effects of the extended family and any stepfamily issues. Finally, the psychologist assesses whether the parents will be able to work cooperatively for the child's best interests. (Franklin, 2006, paraphrased)

The work of Mart (2006) entitled: "Getting Started in Forensic Psychology Practice" relates that the child custody evaluation typically includes the use of the 'Uniform Child Custody Evaluation System' which was developed by Munsinger and Karlson.This system is stated to be "…fairly typical in suggesting that the evaluator observe parent and child in a free play situation and then have the parent and child engaged in a structured problem-solving situation and as assembling a puzzle or playing checkers." (p.319) Mart states a belief that continuing research which focuses on child custody arrangements will be likely to "improve the reliability and validity of comprehensive child custody assessments." (p.321)

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Mart, E.G. (2006) Getting Started in Forensic Psychology Practice: How to Create a Forensic Specialty in Your Mental Health Practice. John Wiley and Sons, 2006.

Franklin, D. (2006) Issues In Forensic Psychology. Child Custody Evaluations. Online available at: http://www.campsych.com/custody.htm

Guidelines for Child….....