Examining Recommendations in a Sample of Community Custody Evaluation Reports

Abstract

Concern about bias in forensic decision-making has emerged as a major interest in the past decade. An evidence-based approach to forensic psychology, including child custody evaluations, requires empirical monitoring of decision-making processes. This study examined a sample of community custody evaluation reports (N = 91) to examine prevalence and type of recommendations and evidence of preferences in recommendations proffered to the family court. Findings are discussed in light of changing social and legal trends in child custody. Key words: custody evaluation reports, forensic psychology, forensic bias