What role can Forensic Psychologist perform as a Court Evaluator in Parental Domestics and Child Abuse cases? Name one test Forensic Psychologist can use for: Parents? Children?
A court may order an evaluation in case of domestic or child abuse when the parties (partners/parents) do not agree to a resolution of a dispute regarding the custody of their child. The evaluation may be issued under different circumstances in different cases, but they are most likely to be ordered when one partner has allegations that the other partner is incapable of performing their duties as a partner and/or as a parent. The evaluation is carried out by a mental health professional, commonly known as a court evaluator, and is usually a forensic psychologist specializing in domestic and child abuse.
Court-ordered allegations are usually the result of cases like domestic abuse, child abuse or neglect, substance abuse, or mental illness of parents. Usually, one partner alleges that the other partner is incapable of performing their parental duties, however, except in highly unusual cases, both parents are evaluated.
When a custody evaluation is ordered by a court, the evaluator contacts the parties and schedules appointments. The evaluator meets with each parent separately, and may also want to meet with the children in the absence of parents. The evaluator usually also meets all members of the parents' households, including anyone currently living with the parent or who is expected to move in. After this process, the evaluator contacts "knowledgeable witnesses" like the family's doctor, school teachers, therapists (if any), social workers, employers, and other caregivers (if any), to learn about the parents and their parenting skills and abilities from neutral third parties. The evaluator also administers psychological tests to the parents that shed light on each parent's temperament, personality, and skills in parenting.
During the evaluation interviews, the psychologist questions the parents about the history of their relationship and the family unit. They seek the following information:
- How were parenting arrangements divided in the past and the present?
- What changes occurred in those arrangements over time and why?
- To what extent did each parent have a close relationship with the children?
- When did the parents meet, when and why they broke up, and what happened throughout their relationship?
- Is there any history of counseling or marital therapy?
- What is the history of each child affected by the dispute?
- What is the role of extended family in the children's lives?
- Are there any half-siblings or step-siblings in the household?
- What do the parents' employment history and work schedules look like?
- What are the current living arrangements of the parents and children, and who else is involved?
- Is there any history of mental illness in the family?
- Is there any history of addiction or substance abuse?
- Is there any history of child abuse or domestic violence, and who was involved?
After gathering this information, the psychologist looks for significant differences in the narratives of the children and the parents, between both parents, and between parents and third-party witnesses. Such differences regarding parenting have a great influence on the evaluator's report. Based on their findings, the evaluator will form an impression of each parent, including the parent's
- Ability to empathize with their children and the other parent.
- Ability to recognize their role in the marital conflicts and dissolution of their relationship.
- Ability to be present-oriented.
- Patterns of partnering and parental behavior that may affect the relationship with children.
- Ability and willingness to be an effective parent and to cooperate with their partner.
During a home visit, the psychologist will gather information about the size of the home, sleeping arrangements, safety issues (if any), and provisions to meet the children's needs like food, clothing, toys, etc. Additionally, signs of substance abuse are also actively searched for.
Based on their findings, the psychologist prepares a report that is presented to the court for perusal by a judge. Although the recommendations in the report are not binding upon the court, the judge is usually highly influenced by the opinion of the expert evaluator and is likely to give a judgment based on them.
This is a detailed description of the role of a forensic psychologist in a court evaluation of domestic or child abuse. The primary goal of the evaluation, therefore, is the welfare of the children trapped in that situation.
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