Assessing children's and adolescents' needs, wishes and feelings for civil Court cases
Posted on 8 October 2002
Psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists are often asked for their expert opinions of children's and adolescents' needs, wishes and feelings in order to inform Court decisions in complex Court cases. Providing such expert opinion can be challenging; traditional clinical interviewing and psychological testing are not designed for this purpose and can be problematic.
At the conference a range of speakers will highlight child-centred, evidence-based approaches to assessments.
- Dr Debbie Hindle - a consultant child and adolescent psychotherapist at the Scottish Institute of Human Relations, Glasgow - will discuss psychodynamically-based play assessments, including assessments of siblings, for the Courts.
- Dr Eileen Vizard - a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Young Abuser's Project, NSPCC, London - will address ways in which psychiatric assessments of children and adolescents can inform Court decisions
- Dr Virginia Ryan - a child psychologist and play therapist in the Social Policy and Social Work Department, University of York - will examine observations and play assessments based on non-directive methods and their advantages and restrictions for Courts' use.
- Mr Ernest Ryder - QC, and deputy High Court judge of the Family Division, will discuss the legal issues arising from child assessments in Court settings.
The conference organiser is Dr Virginia Ryan.
Notes to editors:
- The conference will be held at St William's College, York. It will open at 10.00am and finish at 5.00pm.
- Interviews with Dr Virginia Ryan - child psychologist and play therapist; Director, MA/Diploma in Non-Directive Play Therapy, University of York - who has organised the conference, are available on the day and afterwards by prior arrangement. To arrange, contact: Samantha Alvarez,email spsw30@york.ac.uk voicemail: 01904 432301