Guidelines and Suggestions for Conducting Successful Cross-Cultural Evaluations for the Courts (From Race, Culture, Psychology, & Law, P 107-123, 2005, Kimberly Holt Barrett and William H. George, eds. -- See NCJ-216932)

• NCJ Number: 216937
• Author(s): Kimberly Holt Barrett
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Guideline
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter suggests ways that cross-cultural evaluators can facilitate the development of culturally competent psychological evaluations in legal settings.

Abstract

An evaluation is cross-cultural when there is a difference between the racial, cultural, linguistic, and/or ethnic background of the evaluator and the person being evaluated. Such a circumstance requires that the clinician learn to recognize how sociodemographic variables such as race, culture, gender, religious affiliation, linguistic background, sexual orientation, age, and disability may influence the life of the client and the life and practice of the evaluator. This chapter discusses factors to consider when accepting a cross-cultural evaluation. Also discussed are factors in determining the scope and purpose of the evaluation. Guidance pertinent to preparing for a cross-cultural psychological evaluation addresses the following topics: cultural background information, considerations regarding language use, allowing adequate time for the assessment, consideration of psychological testing, and the clinician's socialization regarding the ethnic background of the person being evaluated. Following suggestions for a review of case records, the chapter considers aspects of the initial interview. Guidance focuses on acknowledging the stresses inherent in the evaluation and legal process as well as the clinician's clarification of his/her role and the evaluation process. The content of the next meeting pertains to the client telling his/her life story, the assessment of symptoms, and debriefing the client about what has occurred in the session. The concluding section of the chapter considers questions or areas to include in a comprehensive cross-cultural assessment. The areas discussed are family and developmental history; immigration and acculturation; experience with racism; ethnic, cultural, and racial identity; client/family health and mental health history; educational and employment history; and concerns, stresses, and current status. 29 references