Court Reports
Medico-legal assessments, psychological assessments, pre-sentence reports and family court reports
- Looking for a clinical psychologist who can provide a family court report?
- Need a medico-legal psychological assessment?
- Do you require a pre-sentence report?
Psychological Assessments and Pre-Sentence Reports
What is a Psychological Assessment or Pre-Sentence Report?
In some cases, the court requires a psychological assessment or pre-sentence report to arrive at an understanding about a person and their behaviour, personality and capabilities to help decide an appropriate sentence or rehabilitation options.
How does it work?
The first step is to conduct a two-hour interview as part of the initial assessment to obtain all relevant background information. To ensure a smooth process, it is essential for me to have access to court documents and any previous assessments before this interview. I will then write a report and identify critical and relevant factors about you and your case and provide practical recommendations.
Family Court Reports
What is a Family Court Report?
As a clinical psychologist, I'm skilled in conducting family assessments to provide a comprehensive Family Court Report including parenting assessments and recommendations. This report incorporates an in-depth assessment of the family unit to determine and advise what parenting arrangements are in the child(ren)’s best interest.
How does it work?
The assessment is conducted through a series of clinical interviews with the parents, the child(ren), any other relevant parties, e.g. child safety officer and/or treatment providers, and behavioural observations, such as parent-child interaction.
The report includes details of family relationships, attachment to caregivers and siblings, family strengths and weaknesses, the co-parenting relationship, and the parenting capacity of each individual parent. The assessment will be compiled into a detailed report to be used in court matters like child custody evaluations in the Family Court of Australia.
Medico-legal Psychological Reports
What is a Medico-legal Psychological Report?
A Medico-legal psychological assessment is often requested by a lawyer or an insurer to assist with an injury compensation claim. These assessments provide an independent and expert opinion regarding a claim or dispute for psychological injury compensation.
How does it work?
Medico-legal psychological assessments involve a two-hour clinical interview and psychometric evaluation (if required). The report provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the nature of the psychological injury, extent of the injury, any relevant mental health diagnoses, and recommendations for treatment and management of the injury.