100997: Guidelines for Psychological Evaluations in Child Protection Matters

About the Course:

The problems of abused and neglected children are epidemic in our society (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau, 2008) and create issues that psychologists may be called upon to address. Psychologists are positioned to contribute significantly to decision-making in child protection matters. Psychological data and expertise may provide sources of information and a perspective not otherwise available to courts regarding the functioning of parties, and thus may increase the fairness of decisions by the court, state agency or other party.
As the complexity of psychological practice increases and the reciprocal involvement between psychologists and the public broadens, the need for guidelines to educate the profession, the public, and the other interested parties regarding desirable professional practice in child protection matters continues to increase. Because psychologists may assume various roles and responsibilities in child protection matters, the following guidelines were developed primarily for psychologists conducting psychological evaluations in such matters.

Publication Date:

2010

Author

American Psychological Association

About the Author:

Based in Washington, DC, the American Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States. With 150,000 members, the APA is the largest association of psychologists worldwide.

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially psychologists, counselors, and social workers who seek knowledge about the provision or interpretation of mental health evaluations in child protection matters. It is appropriate for all levels of participants’ knowledge.

Course Objectives:

1. Describe the conditions under which a child protection evaluation might be conducted.

2. Define the role of the psychologist or other mental health clinician in conducting evaluations in child protection matters.

3. Define common terms used in child protection matters.

4. List and discuss issues in preparing to conduct a child protection evaluation.

5. List and discuss procedural issues in conducting child protection evaluations.