Dr Maddison Riachi1,2, Dr. Abigail Sheed1,2, Dr. Harry Dent1, Ms. Caitlin Cohen1, Dr. Lisa Forrester2, Dr. Benjamin Spivak1, Dr. Nina Papalia1, University Distinguished Professor James Ogloff1
1Centre For Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health, Hawthorn, Australia, 2Children's Court Clinic, Children's Court of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Dr. Maddison Riachi is a Research Fellow at CFBS and Senior Clinical and Forensic Psychologist at the Victorian Children’s Court Clinic. Her research focuses on child maltreatment and family violence. She co-leads research projects in partnership with the Children's Court Clinic and is an executive committee member of the APS College of Forensic Psychologists.
Dr. Abigail Sheed is a Research Fellow at CFBS and Clinical and Forensic Psychologist at the Problem Behaviour Program, Forensicare. She also co-leads research projects as part of the Children's Court Clinic industry partnership. Her research explores youth problem behaviour, risk assessment, and child maltreatment.
Abstract:
The clinical assessment of child maltreatment represents a critical yet understudied area of forensic practice, particularly within Children's Court contexts where high-stakes decisions about child safety and family preservation are made. This presentation examines the characteristics and risk/need profiles of families involved in Children's Court proceedings through a comprehensive analysis of families referred for independent psychological family assessments by the Children's Court of Victoria. Characteristics across child, parent, and family system domains will be examined to identify patterns and inform clinical assessment practices. The analysis will explore demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, and risk profiles to provide empirical insights into the complex presentations encountered in Children's Court assessments and offer evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. Implications for future translational research directions in child maltreatment assessment will be discussed, with particular emphasis on bridging the gap between research evidence and clinical application in this high-stakes forensic context.