Product Description

Comprehensive coverage of every phase of the child custody evaluation process

Does a clinician hired by a parent’s attorney bear the same responsibilities as a court-appointed psychologist? What are the most effective techniques for determining whether an alleged abuse has actually occurred? Which factors should be considered when determining whether a parent should be granted custody?

Clinician’s Guide to Child Custody Evaluations, Second Edition answers these questions and hundreds more as it provides step-by-step guidance through every aspect of this sensitive and profoundly important process. Employing riveting case studies drawn from the more than 1,800 custody evaluations he has performed, Dr. Marc Ackerman provides authoritative guidelines for:

• Conducting interviews, observing behavior, and collecting collateral information
• Psychological testing and administering ASPECT and other custody instruments
• Evaluating parental behavior
• Reporting evaluation results
• Testifying in court

This remarkably thorough resource offers completely up-to-date coverage of recent legal decisions affecting child custody, new surveys on what judges and attorneys want from evaluations, and new chapters on placement schedules and second-opinion evaluations. Clinician’s Guide to Child Custody Evaluations, Second Edition is must reading for every mental health professional who is–or would like to be–involved in child custody evaluations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1704762 in Books
• Published on: 2001-03-19
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 368 pages

Review
“…an interesting book…”(Child & Adolescent Mental Health, November 2002)

Book Info
Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology. Practical reference for clinicians on the psychologist's role in custody hearings. By the co-author of the Ackerman-Schoendorf Scales for Parent Evaluation of Custody (ASPECT) tool for assessing custody fitness.

From the Publisher
A recognized expert in forensic psychology and creator of ASPECT (one of the most widely-used psychological instruments in child custody cases), Ackerman has conducted over 1,000 child custody evaluations. Here he addresses the custody evaluation process from beginning to end. Coverage includes the clinical interview, ethical considerations, psychological testing, preparing reports and testifying in court. The appendices contain relevant guidelines, codes and documentation necessary to perform effective assessments.