Observing parents interact with children: All too infrequently asked questions (and answers)

Abstract

A prominent criticism of custody evaluation is that it represents evaluator value judgment only. The risk of reliance on personal attitudes is higher in parent-child observations than in other evaluative methods. A question and answer format is used to highlight an integration of empirical evidence and professional practice. Areas of focus include objectives for observation sessions, consideration of parenting theory and research, what family members to have present, number of sessions, tasks, and how to cognitively process information. Pros and cons of office observations versus home visits are discussed.