Child Custody Evaluations: The Need for Systems-Level Outcome Assessments

Family Court Review, Vol. 47, No. 2, pp. 286-303, 2009

Posted: 14 Jul 2011

See all articles by Robert F. Kelly

Robert F. Kelly

Le Moyne College

Sarah H. Ramsey

Syracuse University - College of Law

Date Written: April 1, 2009

Abstract

Child custody evaluations need to be studied systemically as a human service system. There is little research on the history, caseload dynamics, economics, delivery systems or impact of custody evaluations. This article identifies five systems-level questions about custody evaluations and examines one, outcomes assessment, in detail by developing seven outcome hypotheses. The article concludes that such research could improve the practice and use of child custody evaluations.

Keywords: Child Custody, Child Custody Evaluations, Evaluation Research, Methodology, Systems Analysis

Suggested Citation

Kelly, Robert F. and Ramsey, Sarah H., Child Custody Evaluations: The Need for Systems-Level Outcome Assessments (April 1, 2009). Family Court Review, Vol. 47, No. 2, pp. 286-303, 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1845505

Robert F. Kelly (Contact Author)

Le Moyne College ( email )

Syracuse, NY 13214
United States
315-445-4100 (Phone)

Sarah H. Ramsey

Syracuse University - College of Law ( email )

Syracuse, NY 13244-1030
United States
410-226-5345 (Phone)

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