NCJ Number
224426
Journal
Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2008 Pages: 300-308
Date Published
September 2008
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the need for child custody evaluations through other alternatives.
Abstract
The results indicate that the child custody evaluation (CCE) should remain the last resort, not the first hope in family dissolution matters. Alternative dispute resolution techniques that exist are discussed which could alleviate the potential psychological damage for these vulnerable families. One such alternative cited is the Parenting Tribunal developed in the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. It is noted that although a child custody evaluation seems like a logical way to resolve the issue of who gets custody, there is great potential to produce many unintended, counterproductive consequences because of the adversarial context in which CCEs are applied. This is not intended as a cure to end the use of child custody evaluations; as the author notes that there will always be a place for them. The aim of this article is to promote judicious consideration as to the appropriateness of the CCE, giving more thought to alternatives that are less divisive and less financially and emotionally draining. References