Dr Maddison Riachi1,2, Dr. Abigail Sheed1,2, Dr. Lisa Forrester2, Dr. Nina Papalia1, Prof. Troy McEwan1, University Distinguished Professor James Ogloff1,2
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.
Abstract:
Child maltreatment assessment represents a critical yet underdeveloped area of forensic practice. Despite extensive research documenting the deleterious impacts of child maltreatment victimisation, the field lacks a widely established and agreed-upon framework for conducting these high-stakes assessments. While several guidelines and frameworks have been proposed, they predominantly focus on Family Court proceedings rather than Children’s Court matters. Although cases may cross between jurisdictions, the courts serve fundamentally different purposes, with the Children’s Court’s primary mandate being decisions in the best interests of the child. This presentation will propose structured guidelines specifically designed for child maltreatment assessments within the Children’s Court context. Developed through integration of contemporary research and clinical expertise, these guidelines aim to foster consistency and evidence-based practice in this developing area of forensic work. The proposed framework seeks to enhance the defensibility of clinical opinions while providing practitioners with practical, court-specific guidance for conducting comprehensive and legally robust assessments that serve the unique requirements of Children’s Court proceedings.