Specialized Training Services - Conducting Child Custody Evaluations

Programs

Conducting Child Custody Evaluations

There are numerous considerations which go into child custody evaluations. A poorly conducted custody evaluation can have a damaging and long lasting effect on the child. A successful evaluation promotes the best interests of the child, but arriving at that point can be difficult. In many divorces, emotions run high, and the clinician may have to consider volatile issues such as domestic violence, parental alienation and/or allegations of sexual abuse. To arrive at the best possible outcome requires that the evaluator understand these and many other important dynamics and legal guidelines. Those who provide evaluations, whether from mental health, mediation or family/conciliation courts must have the requisite training to do them in a professional and competent manner. This two-day seminar provides focused training designed to give evaluators the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully conduct child custody evaluations. In addition to continuing education in one's respective discipline, this program offers 14 hours of training which meets the California Rules of Court, Rule 5.225, regarding the education, experience and training standards for court appointed child custody investigators and evaluators. The presentation is intended for both experienced and new evaluators.

Components of a Custody Evaluation, Maintaining Professional Neutrality and Objectivity, When to Seek Peer Consultation or Involvement of Additional Experts, Staying Current with Relevant Research and Literature, Bibliography of Excellent Resources

Ethical Issues: Informed Consent, Mandatory Reporting, Confidentiality, Use of Data, Distinction among the Areas of Evaluation, Therapist vs. Mediator, Dual Relationships, Case Examples of Ethical Dilemmas

How Divorce Affects Families: Psychological and Developmental Needs of Children, Relevant Research Regarding Family Dynamics, the Effect of Separation and Divorce on Children, Cultural, Religious and Gender Concerns

Risk Management Issues: Two hours of risk management will be presented which should qualify a psychologist to receive a reduction in their malpractice insurance

Evaluation Issues: What Constitutes an Appropriate Evaluation?, Understanding Interview Techniques, Behavioral Observations, Obtaining Information from Collateral Sources Regarding General Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Problems with the Law, Medication Utilization and Physical Disabilities

Psychological Tests: Administration, Scoring and Interpretation of Appropriate Psychological Instruments used in Custody Evaluations, Relevant Research Supporting the use of these Instruments (presented from both a psychologist and non-psychologist perspective). The issue of psychological testing will address the Daubert Standard and will examine what tests do and do not meet those standards

Ackerman Meta Analysis: A presentation of the new meta analysis conducted by Ackerman, et. al and Bow, et. al., which now ultimately defines the standard of practice for performing child custody evaluations

Special Issues: Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence, Relevant Research, Affects on Children, Family Code Section 3110.5 and 3118, Safety Issues

Bonding Assessments: A new and important area of concern

Recommendations: Measuring and Assessing Parenting Capacity for the Best Interest of the Children, Placement Schedules Focusing on Health, Safety and Welfare of Children, CA Laws regarding Custody and Placement, Evaluating what is in the Best Interest of the Children.

How Reports Should be Written, What are Appropriate Recommendations?, How this Information is Disseminated to the Courts, Attorneys and other Parties, Preparing for/Giving Court Testimony

Workshop Objectives

Identify the ethical considerations in child custody evaluations

Describe the standard of practice in child custody evaluations

List the various legal statutes which affect child custody evaluations

Identify the components of an appropriate child custody evaluation

Differentiate between real vs. fabricated allegations of abuse, domestic violence and alienation

Recognize the pitfalls of court reports and courtroom testimony

Presented by

Marc Ackerman, Ph.D.

Marc J. Ackerman, Ph.D., has written or co-authored dozens of books, chapters and articles in the area of child custody, divorce and forensic psychology. His most recent publications include: A Clinician's Guide to Child Custody Evaluations, 3rd Edition (2006), Does Wednesday Means Mom's House or Dad's, 2nd Edition (2009), Essentials of Forensic Psychological Assessment, 2nd Edition (2010), Psychological Experts in Divorce Actions, 5th Edition (In preparation, 2011). He also co-authored the Ackerman-Schoendorf Scales for Parent Evaluation of Custody (ASPECT).

Dr. Ackerman has given dozens of seminars and workshops to various bar and psychological associations throughout the world and is noted for his organized, fast moving and entertaining presentation style. He is the Chair of the Forensic Psychology program at the Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology where he is a full professor and former Dean. He is a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, holds a Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ), and is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) standards committee. He is president of the Wisconsin Psychology Foundation, past president of the Wisconsin Psychological Association and former chair of its ethics committee.