A Comprehensive Guide to Child Custody Evaluations: Mental Health and Legal Perspectives

General Considerations.- The Search for Truth: Science and Pseudoscience in Child Custody Evaluations.- Roles and Ethical Issues in Custody Disputes.- Models and Guidelines for Child Custody Evaluations.- Standards for Resolution of Custody Disputes.- General Legal and Professional Issues.- Communication Among Professionals.- The “Ultimate Issue” – Recommendations.- Social Science Research and Parenting Plans.- Developmental Needs of Children and Families.- Managing Parent/Child Contact in High-Conflict and Abusive Families.- Parenting Plans and~Interventions.- Ordering, Conducting, And Reviewing Evaluations.- Uses and Limitations of Psychological Tests.- Starting the Evaluation.- Collecting Information.- Writing the Report.- Reviewing Custody Evaluations.- Special Issues in Evaluating Children and Families.- Diversity in Family Structures.- Relocation.- Estrangement and Alienation.- Abduction and Parental Kidnapping.- Children with Disabilities.- Mental Illness in Parents.- Substance Abuse.- Domestic Violence.- Child Abuse and Neglect.- Child Sexual Abuse.