Psychological Consultation in Parental Rights Cases

This practical volume delineates legal and clinical guidelines for practitioners involved as expert witnesses in parental rights cases. Coverage of relevant statutes, case law, and professional standards is integrated with current psychological theory and research to help readers conduct defensible, scientifically based consultation and testimony. The book guides readers step-by-step through the process of typical cases, from the initial report bringing the family to the attention of child protective services, through various hearings and conferences, to the final decision on termination. Chapters present findings on the psychological impact of foster care, separation, loss, abuse, and neglect; describe instruments and techniques to assess parenting skills and child attachment; and explore ethical considerations for clinicians. Featuring case examples, sample cross-examination questions, and definitions of important terms, the book also covers such topics as the impact of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 and the admissibility of expert testimony under the standards set forth in the Daubert decision.

Introduction
1. Background to a Termination Action
2. Legal Issues in Termination of Parental Rights
3. National Legislation and Case Analysis
4. Ethical Considerations in Parental Fitness and Related Evaluations
5. Assessment of Birth Parents, Foster Parents, and Other Potential Caretakers
6. Assessment of Children's Psychological and Attachment Profiles
7. Special Situations
8. Theory Review
9. Empirical Research and Clinical Studies
10. Standards for Expert Testimony
11. Cross-Examination Questions and Answers
12. Illustrative Cases I: Failed Adoption of a Pseudo-Self-Sufficient Older Foster Child. An Older Foster Child Attached to His Birth Father. A Mentally Handicapped Birth Mother with a Severely Asthmatic Child. Psychological and Bonding Assessments of a Chronic Psychiatric Patient and Her Children. Bonding Assessments and Extreme Distress Associated with Visitation.
13. Illustrative Cases II: Analysis of the Baby Jessica Case