This symposium presents three empirical and practice-focused papers exploring the critical role of expert psychological assessments in the Children’s Court. Each presentation addresses a unique facet of forensic psychological practice within Family Division proceedings, where decisions about child safety and family preservation carry significant weight.
The first presentation provides a profile analysis of families referred to the Children’s Court Clinic for psychological assessment. Through detailed examination of child, parent, and family characteristics, clinical presentations, and risk profiles, the study offers valuable insights into the complex presentations seen in these cases and highlights implications for clinical assessment practices and translational research.
The second presentation examines Magistrates’ perceptions of expert psychological reports and testimony in family division matters. Drawing on interviews and surveys with Judicial Officers in Victoria, it explores how assessments are used in decision-making, which components are most valued, and what magistrates consider to be effective expert testimony.
The third presentation introduces structured, evidence-informed guidelines for conducting child maltreatment assessments specifically within the Children’s Court context. Developed through a synthesis of research and clinical expertise, the guidelines aim to improve the consistency, defensibility, and child-centered quality of psychological assessments in this high-stakes legal setting.
Collectively, the symposium offers a comprehensive examination of current challenges and innovations in psychological assessment for the Children’s Court, with practical recommendations to support improved outcomes for vulnerable children and families.