Layout 2 - University of Central Lancashire

The crucial decisions made by
family courts on issues such as
the custody of children, domestic
violence and sexual violence have
‘life-changing consequences.
‘
reports. Only one in ten of those producing court
reports appeared to maintain a clinical practice
but seem to have become full-time professional
‘expert’ witnesses.
“The under-use of recognised methods to assess
risk in cases involving domestic violence, general
violence and sexual violence, experts commenting
on mental health and yet having no
demonstrable background in that area, are
significant areas worthy of further research.”
The report makes detailed recommendations
for sustaining goo d practice and improving
report quality.
Dr Heather Payne, the Chair of the Experts
Committee of the Family Justice Council,
commented: “Despite expected methodological
limitations, the sample in the study is small and
no claims are made as to its representativeness,
the themes identified from the assessed reports
are useful in providing an initial view as to the
quality of submitted expert psychological reports.
As such, the report will contribute to the current
debate on how best to ensure that experts used
in the family courts are appropriately qualified in
the specialisms most relevant to the case.
“The Family Justice Review highlighted the need
for more intelligent and selective use of expert
evidence in family proceedings and this study is
a starting point for moving in this direction.”
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