PY 836 - Child/Adolescent Forensic Psychology

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This course addresses issues related to child and adolescent forensic psychology. Topics covered include an overview of the legal system, information about the interaction of the legal and mental health systems, juvenile delinquency, child maltreatment and victimization, child custody in divorce,forensic evaluations of children and adolescents, the role of the mental health professional in juvenile, state, and superior court, and ethical considerations for mental health professionals involved in child/adolescent forensic work. This course also emphasizes discussion of current issues in the intersection of the fields of the law and child/adolescent psychology, including topics related to the court process and various controversies in the field of child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency. Students will be expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the material, to formulate and express their own opinions on relevant issues, and to interact with the court system and other professionals working with child/adolescent victims and perpetrators of crime.