Forensic Evaluations

Initial appointments for custody evaluation are usually available within 2 weeks.
If you have any further questions, please contact us 209-408-0896, familyfriendlypsych@gmail.com

Divorce is an unfortunate occurrence in the lives of children and parents. It takes a toll on all parties involved and might live a negative impact on all persons. One of the unfortunate realities of divorce is a critical decision of where and with whom a child/children will live. The Court might take the lead in appointing a psychologist to conduct a formal psychological evaluation of the parents and/or children when the parents are at a crossroads of agreeing on where and with whom the children can live.

The Court usually appoints the psychologist whose task is to conduct the evaluation and also specifies who will pay for the evaluation. The Court takes the final decision regarding custody not the psychologist.

What Is a Custody Evaluation?

It is an objective, systematic approach that the clinician, most often a psychologist conducts without bias. The psychologist gathers important information from the parties involved including children if applicable. After a thorough evaluation, the evaluating clinician would make recommendations for parenting plans, as well as continuous services e.g. counseling for the best interest of the child or children as the case may be. The evaluation is for the sole purpose of addressing the needs that are in the best interests of the child/children.

What Does it entail to participate in a Custody Evaluation?

The custody evaluation includes interviews, psychological assessments conducted with all parties involved and children and sometimes extended family members or caregivers that might have been part of the family dynamics. Psychological test batteries are used to provide clinical information pertinent to the behavioral observations, personality traits, mood and interpersonal functioning.

Furthermore, collateral information is collected from important places that are involved in the life of a child or children such as school, primary care provider, social settings.

MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION

CHILD CUSTODY

”Child protection laws address three interests: the child’s, the parents’, and the State’s. Child protection laws emphasize that the child has a fundamental interest in being protected from abuse and neglect” (APA, Ethics Code 2012).

COMPETENCY EVALUATION

PARENTAL CAPACITY

PARENTAL SCREENING

PSYCHOLOGICAL BATTERY

PSYCHOSEXUAL EVALUATION

FAMILY REUNIFICATION ASSESSMENT