Family Forensic Psychology

Family Forensic Psychology is defined as:

The study of families, members of family units, organizations and larger systems from a family systems perspective in assessment and intervention regarding interaction with the legal system. Among the areas that assessment and intervention include are prevention, education, evaluation, various forms of conflict resolution, treatment, and outcome assessment including research. Family forensic psychologists provide expertise to the legal system.

Some of the areas of Family Forensics involve alternative families, child custody, elder law, family business, family violence, reproductive technologies, ancillary forensic roles in custody cases such as GAL or parent coordinator, training of lawyers and judges (Kaslow 2000; Grossman & Okun, 2005, 2003; Okun, 1999).

Grossman, N. S., & Okun, B. (2003). Family psychol­ogy and law: Introduction. Journal of Family Psychology, Special on Family Psychology and Family Law, 17, 163–169.

Grossman, N. S. & Okun, B. (2005). Defining family forensic psychology. Family Psychologist, 21(1), 31–32.

Kaslow, F. (Ed.). (2000). Handbook of couple and family forensics: A sourcebook for mental health and legal professionals. New York: Wiley.

The Forensic Task Force was established to promote Family Forensic Psychology as a sub-specialty within Family Psychology. The Mission Statement of this task force is:

1. The Forensic Task Force of the Division of Family Psychology advances the specialty of family forensic psychology. Its goal is to provide assistance to families involved in the family, dependency, civil and/or criminal justice systems by supporting research, encouraging training, enhancing practice, informing the public, and recommending changes in public policy.

2. Inform family psychologists about evolving areas of practice and research.

3. Further training opportunities for family psychologists in this area.

4. Inform the public and the legal system about this area of family psychology.

The Family Forensic Psychology Special Interest Group (SIG) was established by the Division and the Forensic Task Force as a vehicle for discussions and the exchange of ideas in this specialty area. Membership in this SIG is limited to members of Division 43. For information about this SIG or to join contact Neil Grossman, neilgrossman@mindspring.com 

Education and Training in Family Forensic Psychology

Areas of education and training:

A.   Board Knowledge Base in Family Psychology including Family Dynamics

B.   Necessary Skills

C.   Record Keeping and Release of Information

D.   Knowledge of Forensic Psychology and the Legal System – Statutes and Legal Precedents

E.    Relevant Research

F.    Pertinent Ethical Standards and Current Standards of Practice

G.   Specific Content of the FFP Specialty Area

Grossman, N. S. (2007). Education and training in family forensic psychology. The Family Psychologist, 23(3), 25-26.