Ethical Issues in Child Custody Evaluations

This chapter delineates the guidelines for child custody evaluators from a variety of associations and professional groups, including the American Psychological Association (APA), the APA specialty guidelines, the Association for Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), and various other professional associations. Issues covered include an understanding of Daubert and Frye, communication and confidentiality. In addition, the chapter discusses record keeping, release of records, informed consent, collateral interviews and record review, ex parte communication and the presentation of findings. Other issues addressed include the employment of diverse methods of data collection, the use of interviews and psychological tests, as well as telephone interviews. The assessment of domestic violence, substance abuse, child abuse, and sexual orientation issues are also covered from an ethical perspective. In addition, specialized areas for custody evaluation are explored. This includes removal/relocation cases, parental alienation, supervised visitation, and assessment of mental illness. Role conflict and dual role are also discussed. Finally, the role of bias, including gender bias, cultural bias, recency bias, and confirmatory bias are cited as significant issues.