AAFP: Introduction to Child Custody and Parenting Evaluations
6 hours | 6 CEs
This on-demand professional training program on an Introduction to Child Custody and Parenting Evaluations is presented by Philip Stahl, PhD, ABPP in partnership with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP).
This program introduces psychologists to child custody and parenting evaluations, learning how to get started in the case, understanding the basic research associated with the parenting of children of never-married and separated or divorcing parents, and the basics of performing these evaluations. Topics include child custody evaluation guidelines and standards, getting started in child custody work, getting started in your case, evaluation and Assessment methods, children’s developmental needs, report writing, developing your analysis and recommendations, report writing, and testifying.
Child custody and parenting evaluations are challenging as a result of many different factors. These evaluations push psychologists to the limits of their skills. One of the most difficult aspects of the work is the complex nature of the task. Child custody evaluators are asked to engage with the family and make predictions about the future “best interests of the child,” while at the same time needing to help the court understand complex family dynamics and allegations.
Intended Audience
This on-demand professional training program is intended for mental health and other allied professionals
Experience Level
This on-demand professional training program is appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level clinicians.
CE / CPD Credit
APA, ASWB, CPA, NBCC Click here for state and other regional board approvals.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program you will be able to:
Describe critical differences between forensic and clinical family evaluations
Describe how forensic and custody evaluation standards and guidelines shape one’s evaluations
Describe the contents of a comprehensive parenting and custody evaluations
Describe how parents’ “horizontal” relationships (i.e., with the other parent) and their “vertical” relationships (i.e., with the children) should differentially impact parenting plan recommendations
Describe research on children’s adjustment to divorce when assessing families and making recommendations
Describe opinions effectively via reports and testimony
Presented By
Philip Stahl, PhD, ABPP
Philip Stahl, Ph.D., ABPP, is a board-certified forensic psychologist in private practice in Maricopa County, Arizona, whose work focuses on child custody matters. Dr. Stahl is licensed in Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Michigan and has held temporary licensure in many other states. A frequent spe...
Curriculum
1. Introduction
2. Evaluator Traits and Guidelines
3. Divorce and Development Research
4. Gatekeeping
5. Parenting Plans
6. Performing Custody Evaluations
7. Issues of Suggestibility and the Use of Collateral Contacts
8. Report, Analysis, and Recommendations
9. Evaluations Models and Testing
Develop a Specialty Area of Practice
Transforming mental health professionals into experts
Expert Instructors
Professional training developed and delivered by the field's leading experts
CE Credit
Earn CE credit for meaningful professional training that will elevate your practice
Convenience & Flexibility
Learn at your own pace, from wherever you might be!
Program Partner
American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP)
We are proud to partner with the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP) for this training. AAFP is a non-profit organization of board-certified forensic psychologists whose mission is to contribute to the development and maintenance of forensic psychology as a specialized field of study, research, and practice. The Academy does this by providing high-quality continuing education workshops, providing a forum for the exchange of scientific information among its members, and conferring awards upon outstanding students and practitioners in the field of forensic psychology.
