|
|
 |
APA Psychotherapy Training Videos are intended solely for educational purposes for mental health professionals. Viewers are expected to treat confidential material found herein according to strict professional guidelines. Unauthorized viewing is prohibited.
The foundation used to conduct parental evaluations is based on the integration of three approaches. First, this approach aims to understand the highly conflictual context of family litigation, with attention to conducting parental evaluations in a manner that limits the detrimental effects of separation and divorce on both parents and their children. The approach aims to integrate the principle of therapeutic jurisprudence. Attention is focused on observing the legal evidentiary standards used in the court system. Data from psychological testing, interviews, and observations are collected and interpreted using the highest standards for scientific evidence and expert witness testimony to facilitate the court's effort to generate an equitable outcome that promotes the needs of the children. And finally, this approach proposes a method of evaluation, using multiple assessments and careful procedures, to ensure adherence to the highest standards of practice, with attention to the relevant ethical guidelines and the demonstration of adherence and competence in documenting and conducting a fair and thorough evaluation in a family law case. This DVD serves as a complement to the book Family Evaluation in Custody Litigation: Reducing Risks of Ethical Infractions and Malpractice. The bulk of the DVD is a mock closing interview that illustrates the explanation of the assessment findings that emerged in a court-appointed evaluation. The use of this procedure appears to provide high-conflict family law parties an opportunity to learn the results of the evaluation without the evaluator colluding with the denial or minimization of any party. It also provides the litigant one last opportunity to refute any of the evidence that has emerged. The introduction of this DVD highlights the preevaluation procedures to avoid both the appearance of conflict interest and the perceived bias by the parties. The different phases of the multiparty comprehensive evaluation are mapped out for the audience to delineate practical advice about assessment strategies that lead to efficient, thorough, and fairly perceived data collection. The review of collateral reporter records and solicitation of third-party collateral interviews is explained. And finally, methods of data integration, report writing, and court presentation are discussed. There are a variety of clients who may benefit from participating in a multiparty comprehensive evaluation. In general, Dr. Benjamin's experience has shown that individuals who agree, with lawyer consultation, to participate through the evaluation and to provide any and all data for the evaluator are best served in these evaluations. Since the evaluations outlined in Family Evaluation in Custody Litigation and demonstrated in this DVD are designed to observe the legal evidentiary standards used in the family court system, relevant to the parties, the evaluation provides a clear structure for all parties with encouragement of each party discussing the components of the evaluation with their lawyers. The book does not provide specific procedures for ascertaining allegations of child sexual abuse in which physical evidence of abuse exists. In such family law cases, readers and viewers are recommended to seek consultation with qualified professionals trained to conduct such evaluations. |
|
)
