CRITIQUE OF CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS BY THE LEGAL PROFESSION |
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| Authors: | James N. Bow Francella A. Quinnell |
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| Affiliation: | James N. Bow received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. He is the director of psychology at Hawthorn Center and a consultant and instructor for the Child Custody Program at Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences.;Francella A. Quinnell received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. She was previously a predoctoral intern at Hawthorn Center and Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences. She is presently an assistant professor of psychology at Northern Michigan University. |
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| Abstract: | This study explored the congruency between child custody evaluations and the needs of the legal profession. One hundred twenty-one judges and attorneys were surveyed. In general, both groups expressed similar attitudes and beliefs. Findings indicated that court-ordered evaluations were most useful, and objectivity was paramount. Judges and attorneys also expressed a need for improvements in child custody reports, particularly greater child focus, provision of custody and visitation recommendations, discussion of legal criteria, and timely completion of evaluations. It is hoped that the findings will inform professional practice and help evaluators better serve the needs of the family court. |
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| Keywords: | forensic child custody reports family law child custody evaluations forensic reports legal |
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