No abstract

Family forensic psychology (FFP) is an area of specialized psychological practice that lies at the intersection of family psychology, forensic psychology, and the legal system. It is a notably challenging area of practice that encompasses specialized intervention, evaluation, and consultation. This chapter provides a general overview of the field of FFP focused into two areas. First, we will introduce the practice of forensic psychology and describe elements that differentiate forensic practice from general clinical practice. We will then extend that discussion to the specialty practice of FFP. The second part broadly covers the forensic roles in the specialty practice areas of child custody cases, dependency cases, and juvenile delinquency case. Because of the introductory nature of this chapter, it should not be understood as a satisfactory knowledge base for participating in the work of FFP. Accordingly, we reference important sources to consult throughout the chapter and conclude with recommendations for future education in FFP. Forensic Psychology and FFPForensic psychology has been defined in a number of ways and is currently a source of some disagreement in the field. For this chapter we use the definition of forensic psychology advanced by the American Board of Forensic Psychology (ABFP), which is generally consistent with the current Specialty Guidelines in Forensic Psychology (SGFP: Committee on Ethical Issues for Forensic Psychologists, 1991) and most other forensic specialty standards in the field. According to the ABFP (n.d.), "Forensic Psychology is the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system." Forensic psychologists may serve the judicial system and those involved in it by providing specialized services including evaluation, expert testimony, research, teaching, consultation, or specialized intervention services.

No abstract