Updated Guidelines For Forensic Psychologists

Because some of the new guidelines have particular relevance to child custody assessment, family law practitioners should make themselves aware of them. But first, two things should be noted: For one, the guidelines are not mandatory “rules,” but aspirational guidelines meant to inform and elevate practice. As such, with the exception of those sections closely tied to the APA ethical principles, an individual practitioner can choose to deviate from their content. Second, the guidelines are addressed to the entire spectrum of professional activities that can be defined as “forensic,” including custody assessments, criminal and tort-related evaluations, research activity, consultation, and mediation, among others.