The Need for Mandatory Domestic Violence Training for Court-Appointed Custody Evaluators

Custody evaluators conduct family assessments and recommend custody and visitation arrangements that serve children's best interest. In cases involving allegations of domestic violence, the court must balance the goal of protecting children and victimized parents with the goal of granting custody arrangements that allow children to maintain relationships with both parents.

Researchers supported by the National Institute of Justice interviewed custody evaluators' beliefs and investigative practices concerning domestic violence to learn more about the factors that influenced the safety of the parenting plans recommended. The researchers found that recommendations were not influenced by the severity of domestic violence or by the evaluator's investigative thoroughness. Instead, the best predictor of parenting plan safety was the evaluators' assessment of ongoing risks of serious domestic violence. 

To read the article, go to https://nij.gov/topics/crime/intimate-partner-violence/Pages/domestic-violence-training-for-court-appointed-custody-evaluators.aspx