A suggested framework for forensic consultation in cases of child abuse and neglect

Child abuse and neglect is a central issue in several kinds of legal proceedings in which forensic psychiatry consultants may be involved. Thorough and responsive consultation in these cases calls for the consultant to be aware of a broad range of issues, some of which may not be explicitly raised in referral questions. These issues include: (1) determining the history of abuse or neglect; (2) assessing the resulting harm to the child; (3) assessing a parent's current capacity to provide for a child; and (4) predicting future risk and treatment response for children and parents. Each of these questions calls for different clinical assessment approaches and clinical expertise.