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Custody Evaluations

Custody Evaluations (CE) are stressful for all parties concerned. The overriding emphasis is on the best psychological interests of the child(ren).   

In the State of Indiana there are no mandates as to how a CE is conducted. I follow the guidelines suggested by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). The guidelines provided by the APA and AFCC are widely regarded as a basis for the practice of Custody Evaluations. In addition I use the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists published by The American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP).

Here is a brief overview of the CE process: 

  1.  I only conduct Custody Evaluations by an Order of the Court.

  2. We have an extensive Statement of Understanding which covers our policy and procedures in regards to CE. A copy of this is available on request, contact: frank@frankchoate.com.

  3. There are no statewide standardized practices for conducting custody evaluations in the State of Indiana. I follow the guidelines of the three organizations below when conducting any custody evaluation:

    1. American Psychological Association (APA) www.apa.org

    2. Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) www.afccnet.org

    3. American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP) www.aafp.ws

Since there are no expected overall standards for conducting evaluations, I have found it best to incorporate the guidelines from these three organizations.

  1. A custody evaluation generally consists of the following elements:

    1. There is in the middle initial meeting. With two primary caretakers for the child(ren). No information is gathered at this meeting and the Statement of Understanding is reviewed and signed by all parties present. At this meeting the two parties in contention decide who will be interviewed first.

    2. Next, the two primary parties are interviewed and psychological testing is administered. If this cannot be completed in one session then it is broken up into two.

    3. If either parent has re-partnered, an interview and possible psychological testing is conducted with that individual as well.

    4. An observation session is held with each parent, and the child(ren). If there is more than one child in the matter, the observation may be held with the parent and each child separately. Depending upon the age the child, s/he may be interviewed individually as well.

    5. A follow-up individual interview is held with the two primary caretakers.

    6.  A written report is sent to the judge, and a copy to the attorneys.

  2. It is never possible to state a report may be finished by certain date. My goal is to have the report in the hands of the Court and the attorneys no later than 30 days after the last interview/testing is held.

  3. Once I perform a CE, I do not see any of the parties in any other capacity.

If you have any specific questions, feel free to call. I cannot answer “case-specific” questions over the phone.