Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is an appropriate action for a therapist to take if requested by a child's parent to conduct a custody evaluation?

1. Conduct the evaluation due to familiarity with the family

2. Discuss the evaluation implications with both parents before proceeding

3. Conduct the evaluation only if both parents give consent

4. Decline the evaluation and refer them to a qualified evaluator

The correct answer is: Decline the evaluation and refer them to a qualified evaluator

The most appropriate action for a therapist in this scenario is to decline the evaluation and refer the family to a qualified evaluator. This response underscores the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, ethical standards, and the therapist’s competence in specific areas. Therapists must recognize that custody evaluations require specialized training and knowledge, often necessitating a comprehensive understanding of legal standards, family dynamics, and psychological assessments. If a therapist is not adequately trained in conducting custody evaluations, taking on such a responsibility could jeopardize the well-being of the child and lead to potential harm. Additionally, ethical guidelines often emphasize avoiding dual relationships and conflicts of interest, which can arise in family situations where the therapist may have prior knowledge or interactions with one or both parents. By declining the evaluation and referring the family to a qualified evaluator, the therapist acts in the best interest of all parties involved, ensuring that the child’s welfare remains the primary focus and that the evaluation is conducted by an appropriately skilled professional. This approach also fosters accountability and ensures that the evaluation process adheres to legal and ethical standards, thereby protecting the integrity of the therapeutic relationship and the mental health profession overall.