Forensic Assessment of Children
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Forensic Assessment of Children
This is a 3-hour intermediate-level presentation designed to help experienced child clinicians learn concepts and principles associated with conducting, presenting and defending forensic assessments of minors in the context of special education and dependency court venues. The program covers the interface between clinical work vs. forensic work, the role of the forensic evaluator in each of the two venues, statutory and regulatory issues including who holds the minor’s “privilege,” who is the “client” of the forensic evaluator and the standards of practice for forensic evaluators as applied to formal and interview forms of assessment and collateral evidence. Problems associated with report writing and the provision of deposition, hearing and trial testimony will be addressed, as will particular and unique problems associated with each of the two venues.
Course Goal and Objectives
Overall Goals:
- Familiarize child clinicians with the expectations of forensic evaluators of minors in each of two venues – special education and dependency court
- Familiarize child clinicians with particular demands and requirements for forensic evaluations of minors in each of the two venues
Objectives: Completion of the 3-hour course will enhance your ability to:
- Describe and define the concepts of “confidentiality” and “privilege” for minors in each of the two venues
- List three differences between the roles of forensic evaluators vs. clinical treaters in the forensic setting
- Define and describe at least two forms of testimony associated with the forensic evaluator role
- Be able to provide court or deposition testimony and support their findings