Child Custody Psychological Testing

by Kristen White Blogger It is often assumed that a child custody battle starts and ends in the courtroom. However, it must be noted that in some situations when deciding custody it is possible for parents to undergo psychological testing designed to provide information about each parent’s ability to parent. This article will discuss psychological testing in respect of custody cases and the various tests used.
 
 
 

Psychological testing is done as a part of a child custody assessment. Such assessments and tests are carried out by a psychologist, psychiatrist or social worker. During these tests the assessor interviews the parents in order to determine their parenting abilities. In the event that the assessment is by a psychologist he or she will also conduct psychological testing of the parents. Such tests are administered during the child custody evaluation. The child custody assessment will evaluate a parents parenting skills and this is done by undergoing interviews and psychological testing. The assessor will also meet with the children so as to determine what the children’s preferences are and what the children have to say about their relationship with each parent. Further, the assessor may visit the parents’ home in order to see what sort of facilities and environment the parents have for their children.

In order to source adequate information the assessor may also interview the children’s teachers, physicians, babysitters and other important people in the lives of the family - grandparents and siblings.

It must be noted that the purpose of this investigation is so as to determine what is in the best interest of the child in determining what the custody and access arrangements are to be. The decision as to the custody and access arrangements is not left to the assessor, however, the assessor can only make recommendations, therefore, what the assessor says is not binding on the parents or the court. That being said, an individual can challenge what the assessor states on many grounds. However, doing so is a difficult and expensive process that most parents choose not to pursue.
Custody evaluators use a variety of tests during the evaluation some of these include the following:

The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMMI-3) - this is used to find personality disorders based on the respondent’s answers to 175 true or false questions.

The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) - this test asks the respondent to describe what he or she sees when viewing 31 black and white drawings of people. The respondent’s answers are said to reveal their personality.

The Bricklin Perceptual Scales (BPS)  - was designed specifically for custody evaluations and is made up of 64 questions for the child about the parents; picture drawing by the child of the family, each parent and the child; the child completing a story about how the family resolves disputes; and questions for the parents.

It is important to note that testing is only for gathering and assessing information. However, the final word belongs to the court and not the evaluator.

For more information meet Syracuse NY family law attorney.

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Created on Nov 24th 2017 06:45. Viewed 528 times.

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