The Scientific Basis of Child Custody Decisions

Rating:
Summary: Imperative Reading for Clinicians Involved in Custody Work
Review: This is a comprehensive and much-needed compilation of material for the custody evaluator. The authors provide an unbiased review of the research literature, clarifying the validity of assumptions regarding parent effectiveness, visitation schedules, and children's adustment to divorce. They point out the importance of considering context and individual dyads rather than relying on broad-based conclusions generated from any particular study. They have covered a breadth of topics, beginning with legal and ethical issues, relevant child development and adjustment issues, and psychological testing. Among other topics included are "the remarriage family," adopted children, medically ill children, and children of gay and lesbian parents. This work can be a useful reference for clinicians working with children of divorce, but for those performing custody evaluations it should be required reading.

Rating:
Summary: Imperative Reading for Clinicians Involved in Custody Work
Review: This is a comprehensive and much-needed compilation of material for the custody evaluator. The authors provide an unbiased review of the research literature, clarifying the validity of assumptions regarding parent effectiveness, visitation schedules, and children's adustment to divorce. They point out the importance of considering context and individual dyads rather than relying on broad-based conclusions generated from any particular study. They have covered a breadth of topics, beginning with legal and ethical issues, relevant child development and adjustment issues, and psychological testing. Among other topics included are "the remarriage family," adopted children, medically ill children, and children of gay and lesbian parents. This work can be a useful reference for clinicians working with children of divorce, but for those performing custody evaluations it should be required reading.