Forensic and Law Psychology

This edited volume is the first book to provide an overview of animal maltreatment as a legal, clinical, and forensic mental health issue. It offers guidance for mental health professionals and lawyers in cases involving the adjudication of animal maltreatment offenses, with a special focus on forensic mental health assessments in such cases. Animal maltreatment includes physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or hoarding of animals. Almost one-half of all U.S. states have statutory provisions mandating or allowing courts to order forensic mental health assessments of individuals convicted of animal maltreatment offenses. However, there are few resources on this topic for mental health and legal professionals, and none that offer guidance for evaluations in animal maltreatment cases. This book introduces what the authors believe will become the newest subfield of forensic mental health assessment, Forensic Animal Maltreatment Evaluations (FAME). It begins with an examination of the legal and social contexts for the problem, followed by a review of clinical knowledge within the area. Subsequent chapters offer perspectives for social and clinical responses in animal maltreatment cases. Finally, several chapters describe prospects for an area of forensic mental health assessment focused specifically on the forensic evaluation in cases of animal maltreatment.Less

This book provides an overview of research on the prevalence, dynamics, and impact of child sexual abuse (CSA), as well as factors that influence youth recovery. The history, development, and numerous treatment outcome studies evaluating the efficacy of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based treatment model designed for this population, are described. This includes a clinical overview outlining the theories, principles, values, and components associated with this model and suggestions for addressing complex trauma responses, developmental, and cultural considerations. Screening, engagement, and assessment strategies, as well as general guidelines for using this practical treatment guide are also outlined. The chapters that follow outline practical steps for engaging nonoffending caregivers and youth facing the crisis of CSA in separate individual parent and child sessions as well as conjoint sessions. The acronym PRACTICE outlines the TF-CBT treatment components which include Psychoeducation and parenting, Relaxation, Affect expression and modulation skills, Cognitive coping, Trauma narrative and processing, In vivo mastery, Conjoint sessions, and Enhancing safety and future development. TF-CBT session activities that may be used to implement each of the treatment components are described via clinical descriptions, case examples, and therapist-client dialogues. General suggestions for planning and celebrating the end of therapy are provided. Special considerations and guidelines for addressing sexual behavior problems and difficulties associated with experiencing commercial sexual exploitation are offered. The appendix includes a glossary of terms, useful therapist forms, and valuable client handouts that provide psychoeducation, as well as guidelines for practicing skills between sessions.Less

This online resource provides a detailed "how-to" for practitioners, including information on data collection, interpretation, report writing and expert testimony. Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines, and this title presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA in evaluating waiving Miranda rights.Less

Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines, and this online reference contains a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court. It includes boxes that zero in on important information for use in evaluations, tips for best practice and cautions against common pitfalls, highlighting of relevant case law and statutes, and separate list of assessment tools for easy reference. In making recommendations for best practice, it considers empirical support, legal relevance, and consistency with ethical and professional standards, and offers invaluable guidance for anyone involved in conducting or using forensic evaluations.Less

This online resource addresses the evaluation of criminals for capital sentencing, and looks at the history and importance of this process, the legal standards and the procedure for applying this evaluation in court. Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This title presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA used in evaluating criminals for sentencing, and covers the best approaches to practice for particular types of evaluation.Less

Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This series presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA. Each title contains a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court. Child custody cases represent one of the most complex areas of forensic mental health assessment. The evaluations are highly specialized, requiring expertise in child development and psychopathology and a thorough understanding of the professional and ethical guidelines for child custody evaluations. This online title, written by two child custody examiners with years of experience and an exceptional depth of understanding of the area, synthesizes the highest quality of work in the field to articulate the best practices for these evaluations based upon professional guidelines, law, and research.Less

Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This series presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA. Each title contains a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court. Evaluation for Civil Commitment gives readers comprehensive overview of the laws, policies, and evaluation practices focused on the civil commitment of persons with mental illness. This title also provides ethical, clinical, and practical guidance for the clinician's role in such proceedings, including a summary of best practices for gathering information relevant to civil commitment hearings and providing testimony.Less

This online resource considers the legal, ethical and assessment issues that arise when forensic mental health professionals are asked to evaluate the capacity of adults to make independent decisions about the management of their personal and financial affairs. As the population ages, the competence of those who are elderly and mentally infirmed may be challenged more and more frequently, and this online guide will be an invaluable resource for those involved in assessing that competence.Less

Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This series presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA. Each title contains a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court. This guide addresses the assessment of personal injury claims, and explores the history and importance of this process, the legal standards and the procedure for applying this assessment in court. Established empirical foundations from the behavioral, social, and medical sciences are then presented. Finally, it provides a detailed "how-to" for practitioners, including information on data collection, interpretation, report writing and expert testimony.Less

Part of the successful Best Practices in Forensic Mental Health Assessment series, this online resource provides helpful step-by-step information on performing violence risk assessments using a user-friendly format that includes bulleted lists, helpful tips, and key issues to avoid.Less

In making recommendations for best practice, authors consider empirical support, legal relevance, and consistency with ethical and professional standards, and this online resource offers invaluable guidance for anyone involved in conducting or using forensic evaluations. It places juvenile risk assessment within the context of FMHA for juveniles, so those using it will find it particularly useful to incorporate into their evaluations of risk and needs for adolescents in the juvenile justice system.Less

Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This series presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA. Each title contains a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court. This online title addresses the evaluation of damage for discrimination or harassment claims. Specific ethical issues that may arise when conducting these assessments are discussed, along with suggestions to address and resolve them. A helpful review of empirical research related to the frequency and types of workplace discrimination and its potential effects on employees is also included.Less

In making recommendations for best practice, this online resource helps readers to consider empirical support, legal relevance, and consistency with ethical and professional standards. It offers invaluable guidance for anyone involved in conducting or using forensic evaluations. Patients provide valid informed consent to a treatment or a diagnostic procedure if they have sufficient capacity, have been given appropriate information, and give consent freely without coercion or undue influence. When a patient's capacity for treatment consent is in doubt, a clinician must determine whether the patient indeed has the capacity. This resource provides clear, step-by-step information on the evaluation procedure for capacity to consent to both treatment and research.Less

Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This title presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA with regards to competency to stand trial, and addresses best approaches to practice for particular types of evaluation for different types of people involved in court proceedings. It provides a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court.Less

Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This title presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA with regards to evaluation of criminal responsibility, and addresses best approaches to practice for particular types of evaluation for different types of people involved in court proceedings. It provides a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court.Less

Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This series presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA. Each title contains a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court. This guide addresses the assessment of juvenile defendants, if they possess a minimal understanding of the nature and implications of pending criminal proceedings, as well as if the juvenile is capable of acquiring a sufficient basic legal knowledge to understand and participate in his case with the assistance of counsel. In making recommendations for best practice, authors consider empirical support, legal relevance, and consistency with ethical and professional standards.Less

This online resource addresses evaluations for child protection, one of the most delicate legal arenas in which forensic mental examiners play a part. The evaluations are highly specialized, requiring child clinical specialization, knowledge of the legal and social context, and a thorough understanding of the professional and ethical guidelines for child protection evaluations. This guide provides the foundation that any mental health professional needs when pursuing specialization in evaluating children and parents before the court in child abuse and neglect cases.Less

Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This online resource presents up-to-date information and successfully adds theory-driven and empirically supported structure to SVP evaluation while alerting clinicians to the limits of current expertise. It provides the best approaches to practice and contains a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court. It also features boxes that zero in on important information for use in evaluations, tips for best practice and cautions against common pitfalls, relevant case law and statutes, and assessment tools for easy reference. In making recommendations for best practice, authors consider empirical support, legal relevance, and consistency, and a helpful glossary of key terms for anyone involved in conducting or using forensic evaluations for civil commitment of sexually violent predators (SVPs). Additionally, the considerations discussed in this book, such as determining a sex offenders risk to reoffend, apply to evaluations of sex offenders in other contexts (e.g., community notification, sentence enhancement, and probationary management) as well.Less

Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This series presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA. The 19 volumes address best approaches to practice for particular types of evaluation in the criminal, civil, and juvenile/family areas. Each volume contains a discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court. In making recommendations for best practice, chapters consider empirical support, legal relevance, and consistency with ethical and professional standards. These volumes offer invaluable guidance for anyone involved in conducting or using forensic evaluations. This volume focuses on evaluating the determination of disability status in the workplace. The reader is walked through every aspect of the evaluation, beginning with an introduction to the nature and legal meaning of disability. The chapters offer evidence-based practice recommendations and an overview of issues specific to evaluations for social security, worker's compensation, and other disability benefit programs.Less

While the vast majority of criminal and civil lawyers must at some time come into contact with a forensic mental health evaluation, either when requested by their side or by opposing counsel, most do not know enough about the practice to be informed consumers. Forensic assessments can vary widely based on the assessor's personal preferences, and while there are clearly defined "best practices" for most evaluations, there is no official process by which legal professionals can guarantee these practices are being followed. Designed to meet the specific needs of lawyers, this online guide provides insight into what to expect from forensic mental health evaluations, and how to navigate these assessments with skill and competence. The resource is divided into sections by evaluation type: criminal, civil, and juvenile and family evaluations. Each chapter addresses one of the most commonly requested forensic evaluations and is written by a forensic psychologist with both academic and professional experience with that type of evaluation. Specific evaluation types discussed include competence to stand trial in adults and juveniles, criminal responsibility, violence risk in adults, jury selection, eyewitness identification, personal injury claims, civil commitment, workplace disability, child custody, juveniles' risks and needs, and more.Less