• 2007 90pp paperback ISBN: 9781568871110
Reviews
"This is a very sophisticated, scholarly analysis of the complex and controversial task of conducting a reasonable child custody evaluation. Dr. Mart provides an interesting review and analysis of the relevant scientific and legal literature and provides some useful practical suggestions for moving forward. A must read for those interested or practicing in child custody evaluations. Dr. Mart's analysis is first rate.
-William O'Donohue, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Nevada-Reno
"Dr. Mart offers a sound and clinically based
approach to the area of Child Custody Evaluation. As opposed to the
maximalist, investigative, and legally driven comprehensive models, the
issue focused forensic approach is a breath of fresh air."
-Jon K. Amundson, PhD, Author of A Minimalist Approach to Child Custody Evaluation: Investigative vs. Clinical Emphasis in Child Custody Evaluation
Table of Contents
CHILD CUSTODY ASSESSMENTS - CONTEXT AND HISTORY
The Tender Years Model
The Least Detrimental Alternative Model
The Primary Caretaker Model
CHILD CUSTODY ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES AND MODELS
The Best Interests Standard
Prevailing Methodologies, Instruments, and Techniques
The Issue of Comprehensiveness: Can More Be Less?
Three Models of Custody Assessment
The Issue Focused Forensic Child Custody Assessment
Overview of the Issue Focused Forensic Model
THE ISSUE FOCUSED FORENSIC CHILD CUSTODY ASSESSMENT: PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Legal Custody
Primary Physical Custody/Shared Custody
Visitation/Custodial Time
Special Needs Children
Counseling for Family/Individual Counseling for Plaintiff/Defendant/Children
Psychological Evaluations of Plaintiff/Defendant/Children
Parenting Skills of Plaintiff/Defendant/Both Parties
Appropriateness of the Home Environment of Plaintiff/Defendant/Both Parties
Substance Abuse: Alcohol/Drugs/Both/Other
Violence, Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, & Sexual Abuse of Children
Supervision of Visitation
Rights of Grandparents to Visit
Influence of Companions of Either Party on the Children
Maturity of Children Stating a Preference
Travel Arrangements & Time, Place, & Manner of Exchange for Visits
Assessment of Bond Between Child & Each Parent and/or Between Siblings
SUMMARY
APPENDICES
Custody Evaluation Agreement
Sample Confidential Psychological Report
REFERENCES
About the Author
Eric G. Mart, PhD, ABPP, is a forensic psychologist in private practice in Manchester, New
Hampshire, and Boston, Massachusetts. He is board certified in forensic
psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology and has
testified in court cases throughout the United States and Canada. He is
licensed in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont, and is the
President of the New Hampshire Psychological Association. Dr. Mart is an
internationally known expert on Munchausen's syndrome by proxy and is
the author of Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy Reconsidered and Getting Started in Forensic Psychology Practice: How to Create a Forensic Specialty in Your Mental Health Practice.
He has published a number of articles on issues related to forensic
psychology, including Munchausen's syndrome by proxy, competency,
personal injury, custody, and ethical issues. He has appeared on 20/20, Court TV, BBC Radio, National Public Radio, and local TV news programs, and is a frequent speaker at programs designed for legal and psychological professionals.
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