Fundamentals of Forensic Assessment

David L. Shapiro, Ph. D. Nova Southeastern University

Similarities: Clinical & Forensic

• Use of broad range of assessment techniques to answer referral questions.

• Integration of data looking for consistencies and inconsistencies.

• Preparation of comprehensive report to address referral questions.

Differences: Clinical & Forensic

• Different Focus – Clinical: diagnosis, prognosis, treatment

recommendations – Forensic: legal issues in addition

• Informed Consent – Forensic has some elements above and beyond

clinical

Differences (continued)

• Need to integrate clinical and legal issues• Concept of functional legal competencies • Clinical finding different from legal issues • Access to data: May be different– Issues of confidentiality and privilege

Use of Traditional Psychological Tests in Forensic Practice

• Objective Testing: Problems with test validation

• Objective Testing: Problem with conceptual issues

• Projective Testing: Issues regarding validity and reliability

Use of Traditional Psychological Tests in Forensic Practice (continued)

• Cognitive Testing: Cautions regarding “real world data” – e.g. Miranda

• Trauma Testing: Increased Relevance for Forensic Issues

• Tests for Malingering: Relevance and cautions in forensic issues

Objective Testing

• Computerized printouts- integration with other data

• Issues of normative data bases • Ethical issues • Limits of interpretation • What tests to use? • Malingering indices

Projective Testing

• Early uses of projectives • Limits of Interpretation • Constraints in forensic settings • Subjective/Objective Interpretation• External Verification (e.g. D.P. case)

Cognitive Testing

• Evaluation of scales • Limits of Interpretation • External Verification • Relevance to certain legal tests: – Unique status

• Neuropsychological screening

Trauma Testing

• Distinction from Trauma Scales on Tests • Need for external verification • Cautions in interpretation – TSI/TSI-2– DAPS

Malingering

• Use of history and collateral data • Cognitive and personality: need to keep tests

separate– SIRS – TOMM – VIP – SIMS– MPS

Forensic Assessment Instruments

• Integration of legal issues into test construction

• Formulated around legal constructs • Use in conjunction with clinical tests

Grisso Instruments

• Miranda Rights – CMR– CMR-R– CMV– FRI– Increasing complexity: • Comparison of scores • Need for external verification

Competency to Stand Trial

• Sentence Completion Tests (CST) • Structured Interview )CAI) • Interdisciplinary Fitness Interview (IFI) • MAC-CAT-CA• FIT • ILK (Malingering Test)• ECST-R • GCCT

Criminal Responsibility

• Structured Interviews • Collateral Material • R-CRAS- cautions

Assessment of Violent Behavior

• Early History– “Three Generations”– Role of Mental Illness – The Macarthur Studies – Conceptual Shifts – Five Domains

Types of Violence Assessment

• Clinical • Anamnestic • Actuarial • Adjusted Actuarial • Structured Professional Judgment

Types of Violence Assessment

• Actuarial: – VRAG – DVRAG

• S.P.J: – PCL-R – HCR-20

Sex Offender Evaluation

• Sexually Violent Predator Laws • Actuarial, Adjusted Actuarial • Clinical, Anamnestic • S.P.J.

Sex Offender Assessments

Actuarial• SORAG • STATIC-99 (2002)• MNSOST-R

S.P.J. • SVR-20 • Use of PCL-R

Child Custody & Parental Fitness

• PASI • Bricklin Perceptual scales • ASPECT

Admissibility of Expert Testimony

• Frye v. U.S. (1923) • Federal Rules of Evidence (1975)• Daubert v. Merrell Dow (1993)• Kumho v. Carimichael (1999)• F.R.E. Amendments (2000) • Current Status

Tzkseminars• Keith Hannan, Ph.D., consultant to juvenile facilities on “Conduct Disorder.” Dr.

Hannan also does a Friday afternoon webinar series on juvenile delinquency• David Shapiro, Ph.D., the father of clinical forensic psychology on the

“Fundamentals of Forensic Assessment.” Learn forensic assessment from the best.• David McDuff, M.D., consultant to the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens on “Sports

Psychiatry.” This webinar is appropriate for all mental health clinicians interested in working with athletes.

• Heather Hartman-Hall, Ph.D., internship training director and talented clinician on “Making Sense of the Complexities of Trauma.”

• Scott Hannan, Ph.D., seen on the show “Hoarders,” on “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for School Refusal.”

• Michael Herkov, Ph.D., of the University of Florida, on “The Ten Most Common Ethical Errors.”

New speakers coming soon!!!

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