Author

Harry L. Munsinger, JD, PhD, Kevin W. Karlson, JD, PhD

Description

The UCCES was developed by two forensic psychologists with law degrees and extensive experience in child custody evaluation to meet the need for a uniform custody evaluation procedure for mental health professionals.  The UCCES consists of a Manual and 25 forms that provide a systematic method for gathering data necessary to determine the child’s best interest, organising information, presenting relevant data in an organised and logical manner, writing logical evaluation reports, and testifying in court.

The 25 forms are organised into three categories.

1)   General Data and Administrative Forms

UCCES Checklist
Initial Referral Form
Chronological Record of all Case Contacts Form
Case Notes Form
Consent for Psychological Services to Child(ren) Form
Authorisation to Release Information Form
Suitability for Joint Custody Checklist
Collateral Interview Form
Consent for Evaluation of Minor(s) Form
UCCES Summary Chart for noting significant entries from other completed forms

2)   Parent Forms

Parent’s Family/Personal History Questionnaire
Parent Interview Form
Parenting Abilities Checklist
Suitability for Joint Custody Interview
Analysis of Response Validity Checklist
Behavioural Observations of Parent-Child Interaction Form
Home Visit Observation Form
Agreement Between Parent and Evaluator Form
Explanation of Custody Evaluation Procedures for Parents and Attorneys

3)   Child Forms

Child History Questionnaire (1 for each parent to complete)
Child Interview Form
Child Abuse Interview Form
Abuse/Neglect Checklist
Child’s Adjustment to Home and Community Checklist
Parent-Child Goodness of Fit Observation Form and Checklist

The Manual presents an overview of child custody evaluation research, discusses the requirements for a comprehensive custody evaluation, describes each of the 25 forms and provides helpful suggestions for testifying as an expert witness.

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