Report Writing in the Forensic Context: Recurring Problems and the Use of a Checklist to Address Them

Abstract

Report writing remains a core competency of forensic psychologists. The overarching purpose of a forensic psychological report is to apply psychological knowledge and understanding to address a legal question. However, a number of common deficiencies are apparent with regards to forensic psychology reports. This paper does three things. First, it explores the nature of forensic report writing and how it is distinct from clinical report writing; second, it highlights frequently occurring problems associated with forensic reports; and third, it offers a suggestion for reducing problems through the use of a checklist. Checklists have the capacity to reduce errors in a wide range of complex tasks. In the forensic context, checklists can function not as comprehensive 'how to' guides, but as quick and simple tools aimed to reinforce the skills of the expert professionals. A checklist documenting key considerations of forensic psychologists with regards to report writing is provided.

Contrainforme Psicológico Pericial de un Caso de Abuso Sexual Infantil

“…En la portada, el título no es correcto. En cambio, el título «Informe psicológico forense» o «Informe pericial psicológico» deja claro su carácter legal supeditado al cumplimiento de los principios garantistas de todo proceso y que cobra sentido con su exposición ante un tribunal, facilitando la apreciación y valoración probatoria (CGPE, 2007;Echeburúa et al, 2011;Rodríguez-Aguado, 2022;Serrano Bermúdez, 2013;Zwartz, 2018) (Esbec, 2000). Estos antecedentes deben ser mencionados tanto si los hubiera como si no, destacando la presencia o ausencia de enfermedades propias como de su entorno familiar que pudieran influir en la sintomatología actual del menor.…”

Child and adolescent forensic evaluations: Challenges amid scientific and technological advancements.

“…Recently, Zwartz (2018) presented a convincing argument for the use of a checklist when conducting forensic evaluations to improve the accuracy of reports. This was earlier recognized by Heilbrun et al (2004) who recommended the use of principles, not only to help report writing but also to assess the quality of existing reports.…”

Contributos da avaliação técnica na tomada de decisão judicial no âmbito tutelar educativo em Portugal: Uma análise documental

“…Consequentemente, o processo de tomada de decisão pode apresentar resultados condicionados, quando o mesmo deveria ser sustentado por uma avaliação objetiva e rigorosa, pesando os benefícios e prejuízos de todas as alternativas disponíveis (Rodrigues et al, 2015). Compreende-se, deste modo, que o magistrado, ao tentar minimizar o erro na sua tomada de decisão recorra a técnicos sociais, que têm a responsabilidade de ajudar este a proceder a tomadas de decisão mais sustentadas (Braman, 2010;Zwartz, 2018).…”