Bateman and Fonagy, 2012), inform us that parents need to be able to reflect upon the mind of their child in order to respond sensitively to their child's behaviours and emotional needs. Developments of attachment theory, most notably mentalization theory (e.g. Primarily, when considering residential or contact arrangements (in public and private family law), what needs to be assessed is “the parents' ability to empathically understand and give priority to their child's needs” (Donald and Jureidini, 2004). It differs from some other approaches in that data are specific to the individual child, less reliant on population norms and quantitative data, but nonetheless informed by standardised assessments and established research, and dependent on expert assessment and analysis. It is focused on understanding the child's experience and the quality of the parent-child relationship. The authors' approach is underpinned by contemporary attachment theory, and aims to assist the court through identifying key psychological components relevant to the child's psychological wellbeing. Here we present a clinical model of psychological assessment designed to keep the child at the centre of the process. We would argue it is crucial that when choosing an expert, decisions are informed by what question needs answered, with different psychologists bringing different expertise to the courtroom.
EXPERT WITNESS PSYCHOLOGIST PROFESSIONAL
While all will have shared psychological expertise, postgraduate training develops different skillsets, with continuing professional development leading to further divergence. In practice, clinical, forensic, educational and counselling psychologists may accept the expert role of “child psychologist”. Consequently, reports vary in approach, focus and detail. Subsequent instructions are commonly based on price or availability rather than on what any given expert can offer. The request is often for a “child psychologist”, despite this not being a regulated term.
Courts, social workers and solicitors often request expert psychological reports to aid decision making in complex family cases.
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