A Judge’s Guide

EXPERT HELP
Sometimes mental and behavioral assessments of the potential custodians are
indicated. In hostile divorces, where allegations of “domestic violence,” “neglect,”
“sexual abuse,” and “substance abuse” are alleged, the judge needs facts. Mental
health and behavioral assessments, supplemented by interviews, behavioral
observations, and a thorough study of the historical record, are the usual tools. If
physical handicaps are at issue, a medical assessment may also be indicated. 6
So a judge will need at least one task performed, and perhaps several: 7
ALWAYS ASSESSMENT OF CHILD’S NEEDS
USUALLY HOME STUDIES OF POTENTIAL
CUSTODIANS
AS REQUIRED BY MENTAL HEALTH, BEHAVIORAL
FACTS/ALLEGATIONS ASSESSMENTS; MEDICAL EXAMS
Picking Experts – What Skills Does the
Expert Need to Answer Your Questions?
The Three Skill Sets
There are three basic skill sets in the pool of experts from which most judges
draw: clinical social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. You will be
choosing experts whose skills match the tasks you need performed.
Clinical Social Workers with masters’ degrees (MSW) have particular expertise in
social and family systems as they affect an individual, and social services and
programs that are resources for the family. Doctoral level psychologists have
particular expertise with respect to psychological testing, standardized assessment
of psychopathology, intellectual and behavioral functioning, and academic
achievement. Psychiatrists are physicians who can distinguish physical disorders
with emotional manifestations from psychiatric disorders. They can analyze
neurological impairment and administer psychopharmacological treatments.
The degree to which these basic skill sets are enhanced by two other factors can
make the difference between a mediocre and genuinely helpful, credible report.
The first value-added factor is training and experience in family issues, particularly
mental health and social resources. Through specialized education in family
matters, the social worker and psychologist may have earned a Ph.D. and the
100 100