|
Robert A. Evans, Ph.D.
Licensed School Psychologist
|
|
Dr. Evans
is a trained Child Custody Evaluator and has been conducting
custody evaluations since 1996 in Central Florida. Details
about his practice can be obtained from:
acenterforhumanpotential.com
or he can be reached by email:
drbob1@cfl.rr.com
Specializing in forensic issues related to children
and parents. |
| The Forensic Behavioral Science Newsletter is published
by: DivorceNet.com |
|
|
Tip of the Month:
I
frequently get calls asking about providing counseling services
to clients after I've conducted a custody evaluation. Or sometimes
the opposite, provide a custody eval. on the heals of providing
counseling. This practice is not supported by the Am. Psy.
Assoc. In fact, it is a blatent violation of the APA Guidelines
for Forensic Practice. Clearly, this situation sets up a dual
relationship and may comprise the patient. While the group
practices are not set out specifically, it is probably a poor
professoinal practice to refer patients to other group members
within a psychological organization. Again, it could be argued
that this sets up a dual realtionship and one may violate the
confidentiality of the patient.
Feature Article:
Recently
I received a request for information about fathers and visitation
and/or custody. It seems our society has a double standard
regarding this issue. Let's not forget that it takes two to
conceive a child. All the research suggests that fathers play
a significant role in their children's life. Clearly, not all
fathers are abusers, neglectors, etc. So why not encourage
their involvement? Unfortunately, in our culture, fathers are
being eliminated from their children's lifes, and even if they
fight to stay involved, in many, many cases, they lose contact
with their children. Dr. Pruett (MD), in his book "Why
Father Care Is As Essential as Mother Care For Your Child",
explains why fathers are so powerful influences on the kind
of person children become. This is not saying that mothers
are not important, but he does make the case that fathers are
just as important in children's devleopment. So often, I have
seen courts consider parental rights over the needs of children;
father involvement is one of those needs.
Naturally attorneys have an obligation to represent their
clients, and these are usually the parent; but please, I think
that responsibility can be executed professionally while insuring
children's needs are equally represented.
I hope this information is helpful,
until next time, sincerely, Robert
A. Evans, Ph.D.
|