Child custody is a contentious area of forensic psychology and often an area where many forensic psychologists are sued. It is easy to understand why: no matter the recommendation, at least one of the parties will be extremely unhappy and will perceive that his or her children are being taken away due to the professional findings. Unfortunately, children can often be used as pawns for the parents, who may forget that the best interest of the child is what should matter most in their highly emotional state. Every day, the legal system faces these difficult child custody cases, and professionals attempt to mediate and find solutions to assist in choosing the best alternatives for the children. It is often very difficult for all parties involved.
In this week’s Discussion, you will consider the high-profile case involving movie actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and their legal battle for child custody. How will you as the forensic psychology professional confront the difficulties of the media and the potential sensationalism involved in this case while also understanding the implications for communicating your opinions regarding the findings of the case?
Explain what areas a forensic psychology professional may likely assess when making specific recommendations involving high-profile situations (e.g., the Jolie/Pitt child custody case). Provide specific examples.
Recommend one juvenile forensic assessment instrument that the forensic professional would most likely use in making a decision regarding the case.
Provide specific guidelines for effective communication of forensic assessment findings, especially considering the high-profile status of the case. Your ability as a forensic professional to remain impartial and to maintain confidentiality should be an important consideration.
Note: Your posts should be substantial (500 words minimum), supported with scholarly evidence from your research and/or the Learning Resources, and properly cited using APA style.