The main area a forensic psychologist should assess when making any recommendation should be what is in the best interest of the child or children involved. Psychologist should strive to remain unbiased when involved in a high profile case. Even if the psychologist is a big fan of Bill O’Reilly for example, they should keep in mind that there may be no resolution that will satisfy every party involved (APA, 2016) This means that no matter how much they may admire a certain high profile person they might have to make recommendations that might not be in their favor. If a psychologist does find themselves in this situation they should seek consultation from their peers (APA, 2016).
One forensic assessment instrument that the forensic professional would most likely utilize in making a decision regarding the case is a parent-child behavioral observation. In the Bill O’Reilly case this would be pertinent because the children requested not to be in the custody of their Father as well as the daughter saying Bill was an absentee parent who did not wish to develop a relationship with her. (Chasmar, 2016 )
Any communication of forensic assessment findings should be supportable on the basis of the evaluations conducted and not based on personal biases or unsupported beliefs (APA, 2016)
References
American Psychological Association, (2016a). Guidelines for child custody evaluations in family law
proceedings. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/practice/guidelines/child-cust…
Chasmar, J. (2016, March 2). Bill O’Reilly loses custody of his children in court battle. The Washington
Times. Retrieved from http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/mar/2/Bill-oreilly-loses-
custody-of-his-children/
0 comments