AAML CUSTODY EVALUATIONS STANDARDS (9 QUESTIONS)

Question 1

What is section 1 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 1

1. TRAINING, EDUCATION & COMPETENCY ISSUES

Question 2

What is section 1.1 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 2

1.1 CUSTODY EVALUATIONS AS A SPECIALIZATION

Question 3

What is required under 1.1 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard “ CUSTODY EVALUATIONS AS A SPECIALIZATION”?

Answer 3

A custody evaluator should have specialized knowledge and training in topics related to child custody and should keep abreast of the ever evolving research in the field.

Question 4

What is section 1.2 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 4

1.2 EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Question 5

What is required under 1.2 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE?

Answer 5

Custody evaluators shall possess appropriate education and training.

Custody evaluators should have at least a master’s degree in a mental health field that includes formal education in the legal, social, familial and cultural issues involved in custody and parenting time decisions.

Custody evaluators who have fewer than three years experience in conducting custody evaluations and have conducted fewer than 20 custody evaluations should seek ongoing supervision from an experienced custody evaluator prior to offering to perform or accepting appointments to conduct custody evaluations.

Question 6

Are custody evaluators automatically required to inform all recipients of their services about relevant aspects of the nature and extent of their experience, training, credentials and qualifications?

Answer 6

Upon request, custody evaluators should adequately and accurately, inform all recipients of their services about relevant aspects of the nature and extent of their experience, training, credentials, and qualifications.

Question 7

What is section 2 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 7

2. COMMUNICATION WITH LITIGANTS, ATTORNEYS & COURTS

Question 8

What is section 2.1 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 8

2.1 POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND FEES

Question 9

What is required under 2.1 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND FEES?

Answer 9

Custody evaluators should communicate their policies regarding their procedures in conducting custody evaluations.

They should provide detailed written information concerning their policies, procedures, scope of services, time frame of services, and fees.

In the portion of the document in which fees are outlined, it should be made clear that the services to be rendered are forensic in nature.

Question 10

How should a custody evaluator inform children of their limits of confidentiality?

Answer 10

Using language the child has the capacity to understand.

Question 11

What is section 2.2 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 11

2.2 INFORMED CONSENT – PARTIES

Question 12

What is required under 2.2 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard NFORMED CONSENT – PARTIES?

Answer 12

2.2: Custody evaluators should take steps to ensure that parties from whom information is sought know and understand the potential uses of the information that they are providing.

Any document given to the custody evaluator by an attorney or a party shall also be immediately given to the other side. The custody evaluator will inform each attorney of documents received from the parties. Documents provided to the custody evaluator are not privileged.

If a party is ordered by the court to participate, the custody evaluator can conduct the examination over the objection, and without the consent, of the party. If the party declines to proceed after being notified of the nature and purpose of the custody evaluation, the custody evaluator may, as appropriate, attempt to conduct the examination, postpone the examination, advise the party to contact his or her attorney, or notify the attorneys and/or court of the party’s unwillingness to proceed.

Question 13

What is section 2.3 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 13

2.3 INFORMED CONSENT – COLLATERAL CONTACTS

Question 14

What is required under 2.3 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard NFORMED CONSENT – COLLATERAL CONTACTS?

Answer 14

2.3:
The custody evaluator should obtain explicit authorization from the parties for the custody evaluator to contact collateral sources unless the authority is provided in the order appointing the custody evaluator or is statutorily provided. The custody evaluator should inform collateral sources that the information that is being discussed between the collateral sources and the custody evaluator is not confidential.

The custody evaluator should inform collateral sources that the information that is being discussed between the collateral sources and the custody evaluator is not confidential.

Documents provided to the custody evaluator by collateral sources are not privileged and the parties will either receive copies of the documents or a list of documents received from collateral sources.

Question 15

What is section 2.4 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 15

2.4 EX PARTE COMMUNICATION

Question 16

What is required under 2.4 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard EX PARTE COMMUNICATION?

Answer 16

Custody evaluators should refrain from ex parte communications about a case with the court or with the attorneys representing the parties, except in extraordinary circumstances.

From the time that the custody evaluator learns of their assignment until the time that the custody evaluation has been completed and their report has been submitted, custody evaluators shall avoid ex parte communication with the court and with any of the attorneys representing the parties regarding substantive matters. Ex parte communication is permissible only as to administrative or procedural matters.

Upon the release of the report, there shall be no ex parte communications between the custody
evaluator and an attorney or a party unless expressly agreed upon by the attorneys and the evaluator. Preparing the custody evaluator for testimony at trial is not considered inappropriate ex parte communication

Question 17

What is section 3 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 17

3. INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS

Question 18

What is required under interim recommendations?

Answer 18

Custody evaluators should refrain from making interim recommendations, except in extraordinary circumstances.

Unless agreed to by the attorneys, by court order, or by agreement of the parties, or except in extraordinary circumstances, and unless the custody evaluator has the necessary information,
the custody evaluator should refrain from making an interim recommendation.

Question 19

What is section 4 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 19

4. DATA GATHERING

Question 20

What is section 4.1 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 20

4.1 ESTABLISHING THE SCOPE OF THE EVALUATION

Question 21

What is required under 4.1 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard ESTABLISHING THE SCOPE OF THE EVALUATION?

Answer 21

4.1: The scope of the custody evaluation should be delineated in a court order or in a signed stipulation by the parties and their counsel.

Question 22

What is section 4.2 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 22

4.2 COMMITMENT TO ACCURACY

Question 23

What is required under 4.2 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard COMMITMENT TO ACCURACY?

Answer 23

4.2: Custody evaluators should strive to be accurate, objective, fair, balanced, and independent in gathering their data and should be prepared to defend decisions made by them concerning their methodology.

Question 24

What is section 4.3 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 24

4.3 USE OF DIVERSE METHODS

Question 25

What is required under 4.3 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard USE OF DIVERSE METHODS ?

Answer 25

4.3: Custody evaluators should use multiple data gathering methods in order to enhance accuracy and objectivity. Custody evaluators should employ optimally diverse and accurate methods for addressing the questions raised in a specific custody evaluation. Direct methods of data gathering typically include such components as psychological testing, clinical interviews, and behavioral observation. Custody evaluators should seek documentation from a variety of sources (e.g. schools, health care providers, child care providers, agencies, and other institutions), and should attempt to gain information from the extended family, friends, and acquaintances, as well as other collateral sources when the resulting information is likely to be relevant.

Question 26

What is section 4.4 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 26

4.4 USE OF A BALANCED PROCESS

Question 27

What is required under 4.4 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard UUSE OF A BALANCED PROCESS?

Answer 27

4.4: Custody evaluators should use a balanced process in order to increase objectivity, fairness and independence. In the interest of fairness and sound methodology, custody evaluators should ensure that any allegation that the custody evaluator is likely to consider in formulating his or her opinion will be brought to the attention of the party against whom the allegation is directed so that the party is afforded an opportunity to respond. Where circumstances warrant a departure from the foregoing standard, the reasons therefore should be articulated. Custody evaluators should provide a complete statement of all relevant opinions formed, the basis and reasoning underlying those opinions, the salient data or other information considered, and an indication of any additional evidence that may be used in support of the opinion offered.

Question 28

What is section 4.5 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 28

4.5 USE OF RELIABLE AND VALID METHODS

Question 29

What is required under 4.5 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard USE OF RELIABLE AND VALID METHODS?

Answer 29

4.5: Custody evaluators should use empirically-based methods and procedures of data collection.

Question 30

What should custody evaluators be aware of in the selection of methods and procedures for data collection?

Answer 30

Custody evaluators should be aware that the use of greater numbers of instruments (particularly when some of those instruments may be of questionable reliability or validity) does not necessarily produce more reliability and validity in the data set.

Question 31

What should custody evaluators be mindful of when offering opinions?

Answer 31

Custody evaluators should be mindful of evidentiary standards in their jurisdiction and of the importance of reliability, validity and relevance to their specific tasks and should consider multiple factors, including, but not limited to: 1. Possessing the necessary skill, knowledge, experience, training and education in the areas that fall within the scope of their evaluations; 2. Refraining from offering theories and hypotheses that have not been subjected to peer review or publication; 3. Avoiding the application of theories or techniques that are not considered generally accepted within the psychological community; 4. Avoiding opinions that rely too heavily on their subjective interpretation; 5. Avoiding opinions and theories that have not been sufficiently tested within the psychological community; and 6. Remaining familiar with literature within their field of expertise, but especially in the area in which they plan to offer opinions. In the event of any deviation from the principles set forth above, the custody evaluator shall be prepared to set forth the rationale for such deviation.

Question 32

What is section 4.6 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 32

4.6 ASSESSMENT OF PARENTS AND PARENTING FIGURES

Question 33

What is required under 4.6 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard ASSESSMENT OF PARENTS AND PARENTING FIGURES?

Answer 33

4.6: Custody evaluators should assess each parent and all adults who perform a caretaking role and/or live in the residence with the children. Custody evaluators should only provide written or oral evidence about the psychological characteristics of particular individuals when they have sufficient information or data to form an adequate foundation for those opinions or to substantiate their findings. Custody evaluators should make reasonable efforts to obtain such information or data, and they should document their efforts to obtain it. When it is not possible or feasible to examine individuals about whom they are offering an opinion, custody evaluators should make clear the impact of such limitations on the reliability and validity of their professional products, opinions, or testimony. Custody evaluators shall not offer opinions regarding individuals they have not directly evaluated. Custody evaluators may offer opinions in response to hypothetical questions so long as the limited basis of the question is noted.

Question 34

What is section 4.7 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 34

4.7 ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN

Question 35

What is required under 4.7 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard ASSESSMENT OF CHILDREN?

Answer 35

4.7: Custody evaluators should individually assess each child who is the subject of the evaluation. Custody evaluators should describe the manner in which information concerning a child’s stated perceptions and/or preferences were obtained and should specify the weight given by the custody evaluator to the child’s stated preference.

Question 36

What is section 4.8 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 36

4.8 PARENT - CHILD OBSERVATIONS

Question 37

What is required under 4.8 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard PARENT - CHILD OBSERVATIONS?

Answer 37

4.8: The custody evaluator should observe each parent-child combination, unless there is a risk to the child’s physical or psychological safety. Where parent-child observations have not been conducted, custody evaluators have an affirmative obligation to articulate the bases for their decision as to why no such observations were conducted.

Question 38

What is section 4.9 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 38

4.9 IN PERSON AND TELEPHONIC INTERVIEWS

Question 39

What is required under 4.9 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard PARENT - IN PERSON AND TELEPHONIC INTERVIEWS?

Answer 39

4.9: Custody evaluators should conduct at least one in person interview with each parent and other adults who perform a caretaking role and/or are living in the residence with the child. Telephonic interviews are an acceptable means for collecting data from collaterals.

Question 40

What is section 4.10 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 40

4.10 INCOMPLETE, UNRELIABLE, OR MISSING DATA

Question 41

What is required under 4.10 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard INCOMPLETE, UNRELIABLE, OR MISSING DATA?

Answer 41

Custody evaluators should disclose incomplete, unreliable or missing data. In their custody evaluations, custody evaluators should make known to the court when there are incomplete, unreliable, or missing data. Where data are incomplete, unreliable or missing, custody evaluators should: 1) identify the incomplete, unreliable, or missing data; 2) offer an explanation if doing so is possible; and 3) articulate the implications of the incomplete, unreliable, or missing data upon any opinions communicated in reports or testimony.

Question 42

What is section 4.11 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 42

4.11 THIRD PARTY PARTICIPATION

Question 43

What is required under 4.11 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard THIRD PARTY PARTICIPATION?

Answer 43

4.11: Except under unusual and/or necessary circumstances, third parties should not be present during any portion of the custody evaluation. Except under unusual and/or necessary circumstances third parties should not be present during any portion of the custody evaluation. The presence of third parties shall be disclosed by the custody evaluator in his report. Custody evaluators should be mindful of the potential impact of third parties on the interview or observation process.

Question 44

What topic falls under section 5 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 44

5. REQUIREMENT OF COLLATERAL SOURCE INFORMATION

Question 45

What is section 5.1 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 45

5.1 THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLATERAL SOURCE INFORMATION

Question 46

Explain 5.1 THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLATERAL SOURCE INFORMATION

Answer 46

5.1: Valid collateral source information is critical to a thorough custody evaluation. Sufficiency and reliability of collateral source information is a determination to be made by the custody evaluator. Decisions concerning the sufficiency of collateral source information should be made by the custody evaluator. The data sources may include, but are not limited to, oral and/or written reports from collateral sources; school, medical, mental health, employment, social service, and law enforcement records; computer files; financial information; and video and audio data that have been legally obtained. When collateral and documentary data are not available, this limitation should be made known to the court in the custody evaluation report if not previously disclosed.

Question 47

What is 5.2 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 47

5.2 CORROBORATION OF RELIED UPON INFORMATION

Question 48

Explain 5.2 CORROBORATION OF RELIED UPON INFORMATION

Answer 48

5.2: Collateral source information is usually essential in corroborating participant information. When assessing the information received from participants in the custody evaluation, custody evaluators should seek from other sources information that may serve either to confirm or disconfirm participant reports on any salient issue, unless doing so is not feasible. Where seeking such confirming or disconfirming information is not feasible, custody evaluators should clearly acknowledge, within the body of their written reports, statements that are not adequately corroborated and why it may or may not be appropriate to give weight to such data.

Question 49

What is 5.3 of the AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 49

5.3 IDENTIFICATION OF COLLATERAL SOURCES

Question 50

Explain 5.3 IDENTIFICATION OF COLLATERAL SOURCES

Answer 50

All collateral sources contacted should be disclosed by the custody evaluator. A custody evaluator should list all collateral sources, whether or not the information obtained was utilized by the custody evaluator in formulating his opinion. Where unsuccessful attempts have been made to contact collaterals, those collaterals should be identified and an appropriate notation made.

Question 51

What topic falls under 6 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 51

6. USE OF FORMAL ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS

Question 52

What is 6.1 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 52

6.1 THE DECISION TO USE FORMAL ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS

Question 53

Explain 6.1 THE DECISION TO USE FORMAL ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS

Answer 53

6.1: Use of formal assessment instruments and psychological tests are within the discretion of the custody evaluator. Where those who are permitted to administer and score psychological assessment instruments elect not to do so, they shall articulate the basis for that decision.

Question 54

What is 6.2 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 54

6.2 TRAINING NECESSARY TO USE FORMAL ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS

Question 55

Explain 6.2 TRAINING NECESSARY TO USE FORMAL ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS

Answer 55

Custody evaluators should be trained and experienced in the selection and administration of formal assessment instruments and should be reasonably skilled in data interpretation. If formal assessment or testing is advisable and if the custody evaluator does not have sufficient education, training and/or experience, the custody evaluator should refer that portion of the custody evaluation to a case consultant who has sufficient training and experience, including education and training in the interpretation of psychometric test data within a forensic context.

Question 56

What is 6.3 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 56

6.3 BASIS FOR SELECTING FORMAL ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS

Question 57

Explain 6.3 BASIS FOR SELECTING FORMAL ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS

Answer 57

When formal assessment instruments are employed, the custody evaluator should be able to articulate the bases for selecting the specific instruments used. In selecting methods and procedures, custody evaluators shall know the criteria employed by courts in their jurisdictions in rendering decisions concerning admissibility and weight. Custody evaluators should be knowledgeable of issues pertaining to the applicability of psychometric test data to the matters before the court and should be familiar with published normative data applicable to custody litigants. Custody evaluators should be aware of the reliability and validity of assessment instruments used. When interpreting assessment results, custody evaluators should consider the purpose of the assessment as well as the various test factors, test-taking abilities, and other characteristics of the person being assessed, such as situational, personal, linguistic, and cultural differences that might affect their judgments or reduce the accuracy of their interpretations. Custody evaluators should identify any significant strengths and limitations of their procedures and interpretations.

Question 58

What is 6.4 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 58

6.4 PROPER USE OF ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS

Question 59

Explain 6.4 PROPER USE OF ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS

Answer 59

6.4: Formal assessment instruments should be used for the purpose for which they have been validated and the testing should follow standardized procedures. Custody evaluators should refrain from making change and when changes to the test format have been made, custody evaluators shall articulate the rationale for having made such changes.

Question 60

What is 6.5 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 60

6.5 INCLUSION IN REPORTS OF RELEVANT DATA FROM PREVIOUS REPORTS

Question 61

Explain 6.5 INCLUSION IN REPORTS OF RELEVANT DATA FROM PREVIOUS REPORTS

Answer 61

6.5: Custody evaluators should take note of any prior formal assessments conducted on the subjects of the evaluation Custody evaluators should consider the results of testing data from previous evaluations. In doing so, custody evaluators should consider how current the data are; the qualifications of the previous evaluator; the context of the previous evaluation; and the importance of examining the raw data.

Question 62

What is 6.6 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 62

6.6 USE OF COMPUTER-GENERATED INTERPRETIVE REPORTS

Question 63

Explain 6.6 USE OF COMPUTER-GENERATED INTERPRETIVE REPORTS

Answer 63

6.6: Caution should be exercised by the custody evaluator when utilizing computer-generated interpretive reports and/or prescriptive texts. Custody evaluators should not assign to test data greater weight than is warranted, particularly when opinions expressed have been formulated largely on some other basis.

Question 64

What topic falls under 7 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 64

7. THE TEAM APPROACH TO CUSTODY EVALUATIONS

Question 65

What is 7.1 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 65

7.1 COMPETENCE OF TEAM MEMBERS

Question 66

Explain 7.1 COMPETENCE OF TEAM MEMBERS

Answer 66

7.1: A team approach to conducting custody evaluations may be appropriate in certain circumstances. A custody evaluator shall explain the reasons for using the team approach.

Question 67

What topic falls under 8 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 67

8. ROLE CONFLICTS

Question 68

What is 8.1 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 68

8.1 AVOIDING MULTIPLE RELATIONSHIPS

Question 69

Explain 8.1 AVOIDING MULTIPLE RELATIONSHIPS

Answer 69

Custody evaluators shall take reasonable steps to avoid multiple relationships with any party, attorney, or court. a) A multiple relationship occurs when a custody evaluator and either a party, attorney or court is: 1) at either the same or a previous time in different roles with the same person; involved in a personal, fiscal, or other relationship with such person; 2) is in a relationship with a person closely associated with or related to a party, attorney, or court; or 3) offers or agrees to enter into another relationship in the future with the person or a person closely associated with or related to them. The responsible performance of a custody evaluation requires that custody evaluators be able to maintain reasonable professional boundaries, a balanced approach, and objectivity. Custody evaluators should recognize that relationships cannot be time limited; specifically, prior relationships may have the same deleterious effects upon the objectivity of the custody evaluator as current relationships. The payment by one party of the fees for the custody evaluator does not constitute bias in favor of that party by the custody evaluator.

Question 70

What is 8.2 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 70

8.2 INFORMING THE COURT OF MULTIPLE RELATIONSHIPS

Question 71

Explain 8.2 INFORMING THE COURT OF MULTIPLE RELATIONSHIPS

Answer 71

8.2: If the existence of a multiple relationship is unavoidable, the custody evaluator should inform the court of the existence of a multiple relationship and the impact of the same on the custody evaluation and then proceed only upon waiver in writing signed by the parties and their counsel.

Question 72

What is 8.3 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 72

8.3 DISCLOSURE OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS

Question 73

Explain 8.3 DISCLOSURE OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS

Answer 73

8.3: Custody evaluators should disclose any and all professional and social relationships with any party or participants to the evaluation

Question 74

What is 8.4 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 74

8.4 AVOIDANCE OF THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION

Question 75

Explain 8.4 AVOIDANCE OF THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION

Answer 75

Except in the case of emergencies, custody evaluators should refrain from offering advice or therapeutic interventions to anyone involved in the child custody evaluation process. When providing custody evaluation services, an emergency may arise that requires the custody evaluator to provide therapeutic services to the examinee in order to prevent imminent harm to the examinee or others. In such cases, the custody evaluator should limit disclosure of information to that which is consistent with applicable law, code, statute, and order of the court, and should inform the attorneys, or the court in an appropriate manner. Upon providing emergency treatment to a party, custody evaluators in that case shall determine whether they can continue in the evaluative role.

Question 76

What topic falls under 9 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 76

9. RECORD KEEPING AND RELEASE OF INFORMATION

Question 77

What is 9.1 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 77

9.1 RECORD-KEEPING OBLIGATIONS

Question 78

Explain 9.1 RECORD-KEEPING OBLIGATIONS

Answer 78

9.1: Custody evaluators have an obligation to expeditiously establish and to maintain a record-keeping system. Records of all aspects of the evaluation should be created in reasonable detail, be legible, be stored in a manner that makes production possible, and be made available in a timely manner to those with the legal authority to inspect them or possess copies of them. Excluded from the production of records referenced above are items that may be protected from disclosure by trade secret and copyright laws, for example test booklets and manuals, unless the original order for the evaluation defines the manner in which records are to be released that differs from the process described above. Where the policies of private agencies conflict with the requirements of law, rules of the court, directives from the court, or rules promulgated by regulatory bodies, the role of private agency polices should be considered subordinate. Records should be retained pursuant to the custody evaluator’s ethical guidelines, but at a minimum until the youngest child attains the age of majority.

Question 79

What is 9.2 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 79

9.2 CONTROL OF RECORDS

Question 80

Explain 9.2 CONTROL OF RECORDS

Answer 80

9.2: Custody evaluators should maintain control of their records and take reasonable care to prevent the loss or destruction of records. Custody evaluators can meet their obligation to retain file items by formally notifying the attorneys and parties of the intention to copy items and return the originals and by retaining original items only if concerns are raised with regard to (a) issues of authenticity, (b) the degree to which the copy is a sufficiently accurate reproduction of the original, or (c) an objection is raised to the return of the originals for any reason.

Question 81

What topic falls under 10 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 81

10. PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS AND OPINIONS

Question 82

Explain 10 PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS AND OPINIONS

Answer 82

Custody evaluators should strive to be accurate, objective, fair, balanced and independent in their work and are strongly encouraged to utilize peer reviewed published research in their reports. Since custody evaluations are to be “evidence based”, custody evaluators are strongly encouraged to utilize and make reference to pertinent peer-reviewed published research in the preparation of their reports. Where peer-reviewed published research has been utilized, custody evaluators should provide full references to the cited research. Custody evaluators should recognize that information not bearing directly upon the issues before the court may cause harm when disclosed and may have a prejudicial effect.

Question 83

What topic falls under 11 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 83

11. PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Question 84

What is 11.1 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 84

11.1 ARTICULATION OF THE BASES FOR OPINIONS EXPRESSED

Question 85

Explain 11.1 ARTICULATION OF THE BASES FOR OPINIONS EXPRESSED

Answer 85

11.1: Opinions expressed by custody evaluators should be based upon information and data obtained through the application of reliable and valid principles and methods. Custody evaluators should differentiate among information gathered, observations made, data collected, inferences made, and opinions formulated. Custody evaluators should only provide opinions and testimony that are 1) sufficiently based upon facts or data; 2) the product of reliable and valid principles and methods; and 3) based on principles and methods that have been applied reliably to the facts of the case.

Question 86

What is 11.2 of AAML Child Custody Evaluation Standard?

Answer 86

11.2 RECOGNITION OF THE SCOPE OF THE COURT ORDER

Question 87

Explain 11.2 RECOGNITION OF THE SCOPE OF THE COURT ORDER

Answer 87

11.2: Custody evaluators should avoid offering opinions that do not directly follow from the court order or signed stipulation regarding the appointment of the custody evaluator or are not otherwise relevant to the purpose of the custody evaluation.

Question 88

What is an assessment instrument?

Answer 88

An evaluative mental health device or procedure in which a sample of an individual’s behavior in a specified domain is obtained and subsequently evaluated, whether or not it is scored using a standardized process.

Question 89

What is the definition of ex parte communication with the AAML Custody Evaluation Standards?

Answer 89

The transmission of evidence, arguments, or other information relevant to a disputed legal issue to a court to the exclusion of or without notice to other parties which renders the information insufficiently open to challenge and test by an adversely affected party or that impairs or appears to impair the decision maker’s objectivity.

Question 90

Is the info given to a custody evaluator privileged ?

Answer 90

NO