Child Custody Evaluation Practices: A 1996 Survey of Psychologists

Abstract

Just a decade ago the role of psychologists in child custody disputes had increased, but there had been little empirical research performed to guide mental health professionals in the evaluation process. Two researchers, William Keilin and Larry Bloom, remedied that deficiency by focusing on the topic of custody evaluations.1 At that time a number of models for child custody evaluations had been proposed2 and at least one critical review of child custody evaluation practices had been performed.3 Since 1986, the psychological community has been increasingly ac tive in addressing custody evaluation practices. Moreover, a number of states have recognized the need for guidelines to help psychologists as the process became more complicated.4 Relying on the work of