Forensic Mental Health Assessment of Children And Adolescents

Most professional forensic literature addresses the assessment of adults yet neglects the necessary differences that arise when working with minors. Forensic Mental Health Assessment of Children presents the reader with essential knowledge and practical suggestions regarding the forensicassessment of minors involved in a variety of legal applications. Methods of evaluation are described by leading experts regarding topics frequently encountered and of great importance to the courts including:-Physical and sexual child abuse-Domestic violence-Child custody in divorce proceedings-Risk assesment for violence-Potential for rehabilitation in juvenile court cases-Special education-Childhood development and trauma as mitigating circumstances in death penalty casesIn addition to reviewing a broad spectrum of topics, methods of evaluation, and the application of specific tests, chapters also address forensic assessment matters such as ethical issues, professional liability, and cultural considerations. This comprehensive resource will be indispensable tomental health practitioners and legal professionals, and of great interest to researchers and students.

Dr. Steven N. Sparta is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, Adjunct Professor of Law, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and Adjunct Professor of Psychology San Diego State University. He was Chair of the Ethics Committee of the American Psychological Association, former President and Fellow of the San Diego Psychological Association and previously served as Commissioner, Juvenile Justice Commission San Diego County. Dr. Sparta is Boarded in Clinical and Forensic Psychology (ABPP) and maintains an independent practice.LDr. Koocher is President-Elect of the American Psychological Association (APA), a Fellow of twelve divisions of (APA) and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is the only psychologist to have earned five specialty diplomas from the American Boards of Professional Psychology (Clinical, Clinical Child/Adolescent, Family, Forensic, and Health Psychology). Dr. Koocher's professional practice focuses on coping with chronic and life-threatening illness, bereavement, and the interface of mental health practice, ethics, and law.