Abstract. This two-part special issue of the International Journal of Forensic Mental Health is dedicated to the practice of forensic clinical interviewing, that is, the nature and application of ...Jun 4, 2018 · Problems with forensic reports can be identified via two types of empirical studies: either from surveys and feedback from legal professionals on the quality of reports, or by evaluations of the extent to which reports comply with certain principles of appropriate forensic mental health assessment (Goodman-Delahunty & Dhami, 2013). Apr 13, 2021 · This study analyzes the questions on aspects of child custody, visitation rights, or child endangerment that judges pose to forensic psychologists in family law proceedings. Before conducting a psychological evaluation, the legal question in the referral has to be translated into case-specific, forensically relevant issues. The only overarching principle guiding this process is the “best ... psychologists involved in forensic assessment and consultation are likely to have frequent experience with it. It is estimated that between 25,000 and 39,000 competency evaluations are conducted in the United States annually (Hoge et al., 1997; Steadman & Hartstone, 1983). Stated somewhat differently, between 2% and 8% of all felonyerature on multicultural assessment in clinical settings, there is little guidance on how to apply cultural competency principles to the area of forensic mental health assessment. This article reviews some of the challenges that arise during the forensic mental health interview with culturally diverse individuals.Assessment Tools in Forensic Settings! Forensic Assessment Tools for Competency, Malingering and Neuropsychological Screening Presentation for Legal Competency and Restoration Training for Mental Health Experts Paul Simpson, Ed.D., [email protected], February 23, 2012 I. “Why bother with testing?” 1) The tectonic shift of Daubert & Rule ...The current literature review examines the assessment of malingering in adult forensic populations with a focus on recent applications of measures for identifying feigned psychiatric symptoms. Although a large amount of research on malingering assessment exists, such a review is needed given the limited research on factors thatGuideline: The Forensic Assessment S7 180 It is also recognized that policies and procedures will change with the 181 passage of time and from one setting to another. 182 The writing of forensic psychiatric reports is beyond the scope of this 183 guideline. Report-writing is a vast topic in itself, and the reader isPatients with Axis I disorders often fluctuate markedly in their clinical presentations in forensic and other professional settings. Although such fluctuations could suggest ineffectual efforts at malingering, more likely explanations include confusion or poor insight into psychopathology, imprecision in the assessment methods, or actual changes in symptomatology. An important concern is ...The chapters address substantive topics like acquisitive crime, domestic violence, mass murder, and sexual vio- lence, while also exploring emerging areas of research, such as the expansion of cybercrime, particularly child sexual exploitation, as well as aspects of terrorism and radicalisation.Services agency attorneys (ATT); child forensic evaluators, primarily psychologists self-identified as evaluators (CFE); and child forensic interviewers from a variety of settings including child advocacy centers (CFI). CPS workers comprised 37.5% of the overall sample with LE being the second largest subgroup at 20.3%.Abstract. For the purpose of this paper, we will review chapters 1, 2, and 3 in the course text Foundations of Forensic Mental Health Assessment, written by Heilbrun, Grisso, and Goldstein (2009 ...The forensic interviews conducted with alleged victims of child maltreatment are often essential to the investigation because, particularly in sexual abuse cases, the alleged victim and alleged perpetrator may be the only people who know what really happened. May 27, 2015 · Abstract. Forensic assessment videoconferencing (VC) is gradually gaining popularity among forensic mental health practitioners. Given the profound impacts of the characteristics of VC on forensic ... Apr 13, 2021 · This study analyzes the questions on aspects of child custody, visitation rights, or child endangerment that judges pose to forensic psychologists in family law proceedings. Before conducting a psychological evaluation, the legal question in the referral has to be translated into case-specific, forensically relevant issues. The only overarching principle guiding this process is the “best ... Guideline: The Forensic Assessment S7 180 It is also recognized that policies and procedures will change with the 181 passage of time and from one setting to another. 182 The writing of forensic psychiatric reports is beyond the scope of this 183 guideline. Report-writing is a vast topic in itself, and the reader isThis study analyzes the questions on aspects of child custody, visitation rights, or child endangerment that judges pose to forensic psychologists in family law proceedings. Before conducting a psychological evaluation, the legal question in the referral has to be translated into case-specific, forensically relevant issues. The only overarching principle guiding this process is the “best ...acceptable current ways of performing these forensic evaluations, and following this Guideline does not lead to a guaranteed outcome. Differing fact pat-terns, clinical factors, relevant statutes, administra-tive and case law, and the psychiatrist’s judgment determine how to proceed in any individual forensic evaluation.Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST): Developed as a screening instrument designed to identify malingered psychopathology. It is a 25-item structured interview that can be administered in approximately 5 minutes. The M-FAST consists of items rationally derived from the literature on May 27, 2015 · Abstract. Forensic assessment videoconferencing (VC) is gradually gaining popularity among forensic mental health practitioners. Given the profound impacts of the characteristics of VC on forensic ... Aug 23, 2020 · January 2005 · The American journal of forensic psychiatry. J. Barbera. L. Tanser. C.M. Shapiro. This article presents a forensic case seen in the context of a sleep clinic. The patient/defendant ... for requested forensic evaluation Conducts assessment of malingered psychosis by applying knowledge of atypical symptoms and/or relevant psychological testing Demonstrates proficiency when explaining forensic opinion on both direct and cross examination Assesses appropriate candidates for diversionprograms through evaluation of diversion Apr 15, 2003 · Third-party information in forensic assessment is obtained from sources other than the individual being evaluated, most often from relevant records or interviews of collateral observers. Although ... The Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST) is a screening instrument created to assess for potential malingering. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the extent to which the M-FAST total score can differentiate overreporters from comparison groups. Research reports were located through searching ... Forensic assessment is one of the basic building blocks that form the foundation of the practice of psychiatryandthelaw,inadditiontoreport-writing and giving testimony in court. Similar to any foun- dation, the integrity of the process depends on how well each brick is laid upon the other.tication of forensic assessment instruments and forensically relevant instruments1 has increased significantly across these four decades. Since 1A forensic assessment instrument (FAI) is a tool used for the collection of information about a litigant's capacities that are directly relevant to a legal standard, such as "understanding" 4the differences between forensic assessment and therapeutic assessment: Standard Psychological Tests Used in Forensic Assessment A wide variety of assessment instruments and procedures are used in forensic assessments. These may include three major categories: Forensic Assessment Instruments (FAIs), Forensically Relevant In-Book details. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI–2) is one of the most widely researched and used assessment tools in psychology. Forensic psychologists often rely on it to evaluate clients involved in civil and criminal cases. Because the test results can have a significant influence on court decisions, psychologists ... Jan 2, 2018 · To evaluate the practical utility and face validity of a new risk assessment guideline, the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START), within a forensic mental health service. Staff attended training and subsequently used the START to assess and formulate risk. Diego Rosas Wellmann. Forensic risk assessment refers to the attempt to predict the likelihood of future offending in order to identify individuals in need of intervention. Risk assessment protocols have been implemented in mental health and criminal justice settings around the globe to prioritize risk reduction strategies for those most at need. Patients with Axis I disorders often fluctuate markedly in their clinical presentations in forensic and other professional settings. Although such fluctuations could suggest ineffectual efforts at malingering, more likely explanations include confusion or poor insight into psychopathology, imprecision in the assessment methods, or actual changes in symptomatology. An important concern is ...Forensic assessment is one of the basic building blocks that form the foundation of the practice of psychiatryandthelaw,inadditiontoreport-writing and giving testimony in court. Similar to any foun- dation, the integrity of the process depends on how well each brick is laid upon the other. Third-party information in forensic assessment is obtained from sources other than the individual being evaluated, most often from relevant records or interviews of collateral observers. Although ...Jun 4, 2018 · Problems with forensic reports can be identified via two types of empirical studies: either from surveys and feedback from legal professionals on the quality of reports, or by evaluations of the extent to which reports comply with certain principles of appropriate forensic mental health assessment (Goodman-Delahunty & Dhami, 2013). that can inform forensic assessment. In 2010, Griffith and colleagues4 conceptualized the forensic psychiatric report as a performative nar-rative. Although their article concentrated on the written report, it suggested that psychiatrists “lis-tened hard to the voices they heard” (Ref. 4, p 42). The authors also drew attention to aspects of theApr 13, 2021 · This study analyzes the questions on aspects of child custody, visitation rights, or child endangerment that judges pose to forensic psychologists in family law proceedings. Before conducting a psychological evaluation, the legal question in the referral has to be translated into case-specific, forensically relevant issues. The only overarching principle guiding this process is the “best ... This chapter provides an overview of forensic mental health assessments in criminal, civil, and juvenile and family court settings. We begin with a general discussion of the nature and method of forensic assessment, highlighting the various data sources on which a forensic assessment is based and the hypothesis testing nature of the evaluation process.Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST) The M-FAST is a brief 25-item screening interview for individuals ages 18 years and older that provides preliminary information regarding the probability that an individual is feigning psychiatric illness. Most malingering and symptom validity instruments assess malingered cognitive and/or ...Dr. Zapf is the author of Best Practices in Forensic Mental Health Assessment: Evaluation of Competence to Stand Trial; editor of Forensic Assessments in Criminal and Civil Law: A Handbook for Lawyers; and associate editor of the Encyclopedia of Psychology and Law. She served on the National Judicial College's Mental Competency: Best Practices ... of the Forensic Assessment Interview Technique (FAINT), a validated and highly effective criminal investigation tool. The article also provides a step-by-step implementation guide and a sample internal control questionnaire that incorporates the use of FAINT. Interview or Interrogation? The distinction between an interview and an interrogation referred to as violence risk assessment, threat assessment, assessment of risk of harm or, in the field of forensic clinical practice, risk assessment and management. In this article we discuss this process of assessing and managing risk of harm to others in more detail and particularly as it is applied in forensic mental health settings.erature on multicultural assessment in clinical settings, there is little guidance on how to apply cultural competency principles to the area of forensic mental health assessment. This article reviews some of the challenges that arise during the forensic mental health interview with culturally diverse individuals.The current literature review examines the assessment of malingering in adult forensic populations with a focus on recent applications of measures for identifying feigned psychiatric symptoms. Although a large amount of research on malingering assessment exists, such a review is needed given the limited research on factors thatThis chapter provides an overview of forensic mental health assessments in criminal, civil, and juvenile and family court settings. We begin with a general discussion of the nature and method of forensic assessment, highlighting the various data sources on which a forensic assessment is based and the hypothesis testing nature of the evaluation process.tication of forensic assessment instruments and forensically relevant instruments1 has increased significantly across these four decades. Since 1A forensic assessment instrument (FAI) is a tool used for the collection of information about a litigant's capacities that are directly relevant to a legal standard, such as "understanding" 4 It presents forensic assessments based on psychophysiology, and assessments on the basis of non-verbal behavior. The book also covers interview and interrogation preparation, as well as question formulation. It discusses the Morgan Interview Theme Technique or MITT, and the Forensic Assessment Interview or FAINT.Jul 18, 2019 · The Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST) is a screening instrument created to assess for potential malingering. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the ... Miller Forensic Assessment of Children (MFAC) is a comprehensive assessment process designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the child's mental health and functioning. It is used to assess the child's current functioning, identify the child's needs, and to help develop an appropriate treatment plan.Dec 1, 2009 · In our article, we outline standard methods for the assessment of psychopathy, its association with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), and its implications for clinical and forensic issues ... the forensic disciplines, declaring that “Little rigorous systematic research has been done to validate the basic premises and techniques in a number of forensic science disciplines.” and “…a statistical framework that allows quantitation … is greatly needed.” p.189. Apr 13, 2021 · This study analyzes the questions on aspects of child custody, visitation rights, or child endangerment that judges pose to forensic psychologists in family law proceedings. Before conducting a psychological evaluation, the legal question in the referral has to be translated into case-specific, forensically relevant issues. The only overarching principle guiding this process is the “best ... The Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS) is a fully structured interview that is designed to assess feigned mental disorders and related response styles. Each of its eight primary scales was constructed to evaluate well-established detection strategies for differentiating between malingered and genuine psychopathology.Dec 6, 2019 · This chapter provides an overview of forensic mental health assessments in criminal, civil, and juvenile and family court settings. We begin with a general discussion of the nature and method of forensic assessment, highlighting the various data sources on which a forensic assessment is based and the hypothesis testing nature of the evaluation process. Book details. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2 (MMPI–2) is one of the most widely researched and used assessment tools in psychology. Forensic psychologists often rely on it to evaluate clients involved in civil and criminal cases. Because the test results can have a significant influence on court decisions, psychologists ...forensic psychology is defined broadly as the application of psychological research, theory, practice, and traditional and specialized methodology (e.g., interviewing, psycho-logical testing, forensic assessment, and forensically rel-evant instruments) for the express purpose of providing assistance to the legal system. A BRIEF HISTORY OF FORENSICQuality Improvement in Forensic Practice Several studies and articles have assessed the qual-ity of forensic psychology and psychiatry prac-tice. 10–16 A review of the literature concluded that the level of practice falls short of professional aspira-tions for the field, although there have been incre-mental improvements during the 1990s. 12 ... Guideline: The Forensic Assessment S7 180 It is also recognized that policies and procedures will change with the 181 passage of time and from one setting to another. 182 The writing of forensic psychiatric reports is beyond the scope of this 183 guideline. Report-writing is a vast topic in itself, and the reader is Quality Improvement in Forensic Practice Several studies and articles have assessed the qual-ity of forensic psychology and psychiatry prac-tice. 10–16 A review of the literature concluded that the level of practice falls short of professional aspira-tions for the field, although there have been incre-mental improvements during the 1990s. 12 ...PDF | On Jul 1, 2016, Christopher M. King published Forensic assessment II: Conducting the evaluation | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGateRisk assessment and management: forensic methods, human results† John Baird & Ruth Stocks SummaRy Risk assessment and management is an integral part of modern clinical practice. In this article we discuss best practice in the assessment and management of risk of harm to others. Unstruc tured clinical judgement methods have been A meta-analysis of the Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST). Psychological Assessment, 31, 1319–1328. doi: 10.1037/pas0000753 [Google Scholar] Dohrenwend BP, Turner JB, Turse NA, Adams BG, Koenen KC, & Marshall R (2006). The psychological risks of Vietnam for US veterans: A revisit with new data and methods.Independently conducts malingering assessment in forensic setting Authors competence to stand trial report on forensic patient, while successfully managing dual roles of treating psychiatrist and forensic evaluator Independently authors a conditional release report on insanity acquitteeBackground Malingering is prevalent in PTSD, especially in delayed-onset PTSD. Despite the attempts to detect it, indicators, tools and methods to accurately detect malingering need extensive scientific and clinical research. Therefore, this study was designed to validate a tool that can detect malingering of war-related PTSD by Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST). Methods In ...A meta-analysis of the Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST). Psychological Assessment, 31, 1319–1328. doi: 10.1037/pas0000753 [Google Scholar] Dohrenwend BP, Turner JB, Turse NA, Adams BG, Koenen KC, & Marshall R (2006). The psychological risks of Vietnam for US veterans: A revisit with new data and methods.Mar 2, 2016 · Substance abuse and crime: considerations for a comprehensive forensic assessment “Insuperable fear”, in the legal-criminal sense, entails the well-founded fear of serious, imminent harm, clouding The specialization of forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has incorporated important advances during the last two decades. As scientific advances, specialized tools, and relevant ethical guidelines have become core elements of FMHA, however , the question of how to regulate poor practice has assumed increasing importance.May 29, 2013 · Background Malingering is prevalent in PTSD, especially in delayed-onset PTSD. Despite the attempts to detect it, indicators, tools and methods to accurately detect malingering need extensive scientific and clinical research. Therefore, this study was designed to validate a tool that can detect malingering of war-related PTSD by Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST). Methods In ... some consideration in virtually all forensic evalua-tions, and has the potential to greatly impact the forensic interview process itself. This article highlights a range of issues that complicate the assessment of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including the influence of culture on the interview, the use and Services agency attorneys (ATT); child forensic evaluators, primarily psychologists self-identified as evaluators (CFE); and child forensic interviewers from a variety of settings including child advocacy centers (CFI). CPS workers comprised 37.5% of the overall sample with LE being the second largest subgroup at 20.3%.Abstract. This book presents a set of criminal cases as examples of a scientist-practitioner model for forensic psychological assessment. The cases involve a number of forensic issues, such as ...PDF | On Jul 1, 2016, Christopher M. King published Forensic assessment II: Conducting the evaluation | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGatethe differences between forensic assessment and therapeutic assessment: Standard Psychological Tests Used in Forensic Assessment A wide variety of assessment instruments and procedures are used in forensic assessments. These may include three major categories: Forensic Assessment Instruments (FAIs), Forensically Relevant In-Gold standard forensic assessment conducted using all available information (file + interview) 20 items rated on 3-point scale Absent = 0; Possible/partial = 1; Present = 2 Glibness/superficial charm 0 1 2 Grandiose sense of self-worth 0 1 2 Lack of remorse or guilt 0 1 2 This textbook is designed for graduate students learning forensic assessment and psychologists coming to forensic practice later in their careers. It is organized around five broad areas: Professional and Practice Issues, Adult Forensic Assessment, Juvenile Forensic Assessment, Civil Forensic Assessment, and Communicating Your Findings.Forensic assessment is one of the basic building blocks that form the foundation of the practice of psychiatryandthelaw,inadditiontoreport-writing and giving testimony in court. Similar to any foun- dation, the integrity of the process depends on how well each brick is laid upon the other. Dr. Zapf is the author of Best Practices in Forensic Mental Health Assessment: Evaluation of Competence to Stand Trial; editor of Forensic Assessments in Criminal and Civil Law: A Handbook for Lawyers; and associate editor of the Encyclopedia of Psychology and Law. She served on the National Judicial College's Mental Competency: Best Practices ... Apr 13, 2021 · This study analyzes the questions on aspects of child custody, visitation rights, or child endangerment that judges pose to forensic psychologists in family law proceedings. Before conducting a psychological evaluation, the legal question in the referral has to be translated into case-specific, forensically relevant issues. The only overarching principle guiding this process is the “best ... Mar 23, 2020 · In some cases, however, the application of a risk assessment tool will benefit the assessed individual. There are at least three ways in which it could confer such a benefit. First, the risk assessment may be used to identify beneficial treatments. Second, the use of a risk assessment tool may facilitate an earlier release or discharge. The Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST) is a screening measure for the detection of feigned, or malingered, mental illness. The M-FAST may be used in psychological evaluations of an adult who might be attempting to fake a psychiatric disorder. Because of the reported prevalence of malingering and difficulty of accurate ...Forensic Psychological Assessment in Practice: Case Studies presents a set of forensic criminal cases as examples of a scientist-practitioner model for forensic psychological assessment. The cases address forensic issues, such as criminal responsibility, violence risk assessment, treatment planning, and referral to long term forensic care.Request PDF | Forensic assessment of criminal maturity in juvenile homicide offenders in the United States | The United States Supreme Court in Jones vs. Mississippi (2021) reinforced the Miller ...Diego Rosas Wellmann. Forensic risk assessment refers to the attempt to predict the likelihood of future offending in order to identify individuals in need of intervention. Risk assessment protocols have been implemented in mental health and criminal justice settings around the globe to prioritize risk reduction strategies for those most at need. The Miller-Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST) was developed to provide clinicians with a reliable and valid screen for malingered mental illness. Previous studies have demonstrated the development and initial validation of the M-FAST.Aug 23, 2020 · January 2005 · The American journal of forensic psychiatry. J. Barbera. L. Tanser. C.M. Shapiro. This article presents a forensic case seen in the context of a sleep clinic. The patient/defendant ... FORENSIC MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT Re: Defendant's Name Date of Report: Page 3 of4 evaluator should remain cognizant of the applicable ethical standards of his or her profession and the legal standards regarding the use of tests. DSM-IV Diagnoses Relevant to the Referral Questions. [Include the following statement before reporting diagnoses].
A meta-analysis of the Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST). Psychological Assessment, 31, 1319–1328. doi: 10.1037/pas0000753 [Google Scholar] Dohrenwend BP, Turner JB, Turse NA, Adams BG, Koenen KC, & Marshall R (2006). The psychological risks of Vietnam for US veterans: A revisit with new data and methods.. Rape xxandved2ahukewiu4ogg_jx ahuqd1kfhyjybsu4rhawegqichabandusgaovvaw006xyzjyavavtn7bexzetm
The Personality Assessment Inventory (Morey, 1991) is increasingly being used in psychological assessment in the forensic arena. The paper presents an overview of the validation of the negative ...January 2005 · The American journal of forensic psychiatry. J. Barbera. L. Tanser. C.M. Shapiro. This article presents a forensic case seen in the context of a sleep clinic. The patient/defendant ...The current literature review examines the assessment of malingering in adult forensic populations with a focus on recent applications of measures for identifying feigned psychiatric symptoms. Although a large amount of research on malingering assessment exists, such a review is needed given the limited research on factors thatAug 23, 2020 · January 2005 · The American journal of forensic psychiatry. J. Barbera. L. Tanser. C.M. Shapiro. This article presents a forensic case seen in the context of a sleep clinic. The patient/defendant ... The Miller Forensic Assessment of Symptoms Test (M-FAST) is a screening instrument created to assess for potential malingering. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the extent to which the M-FAST total score can differentiate overreporters from comparison groups. Research reports were located through searching ...acceptable current ways of performing these forensic evaluations, and following this Guideline does not lead to a guaranteed outcome. Differing fact pat-terns, clinical factors, relevant statutes, administra-tive and case law, and the psychiatrist’s judgment determine how to proceed in any individual forensic evaluation. Jul 16, 2014 · This documentary revolved around a tragic event that occurred on May 7, 2000. In the walkway of the Ramada Inn in Jacksonville, Florida, Mary Ann Stephens, a 65-year-old tourist, was shot at ... Evaluative reviews are given of specialized forensic assessment instruments for each of several legal competencies. Individual chapters cover problems in assessments for legal competenies, ways to improve the legal relevance of assessments, and legal standards for forensic assessments. They also focus on competency to stand trial, the waiver of ...Quality Improvement in Forensic Practice Several studies and articles have assessed the qual-ity of forensic psychology and psychiatry prac-tice. 10–16 A review of the literature concluded that the level of practice falls short of professional aspira-tions for the field, although there have been incre-mental improvements during the 1990s. 12 ...Assessment Tools in Forensic Settings! Forensic Assessment Tools for Competency, Malingering and Neuropsychological Screening Presentation for Legal Competency and Restoration Training for Mental Health Experts Paul Simpson, Ed.D., [email protected], February 23, 2012 I. “Why bother with testing?” 1) The tectonic shift of Daubert & Rule ...Jul 18, 2011 · The first handbook to explore forensic assessment from psychiatric and psychological perspectives. "The editors have assembled a magnificent collaboration between psychiatrists and psychologists to bring forth critical knowledge and insight to the core competency of forensic assessment. This handbook is essential reading and a …. Time: 5–10 minutes; 5 minutes to score. Qualification level: S. DETAILS. RESOURCES. PRICING. The M-FAST is a 25-item screening interview for adults that helps assess the likelihood that an individual is feigning psychiatric illness.Forensic mental health is the interface between mental disorder and the courts and embraces a wide range of risk and clinical need assessments related to medical, psychological and social therapies. This chapter describes the nature and purposes of forensic mental health assessments in different settings (community, prison, hospital) and at ...Time: 5–10 minutes; 5 minutes to score. Qualification level: S. DETAILS. RESOURCES. PRICING. The M-FAST is a 25-item screening interview for adults that helps assess the likelihood that an individual is feigning psychiatric illness. Jan 20, 2022 · ABSTRACT. In forensic mental health care, a risk management plan forms the transition between the assessment and the treatment phase. Research and practice have shown that clinicians often experience difficulties in the transition from assessment to risk management. This chapter provides an overview of forensic mental health assessments in criminal, civil, and juvenile and family court settings. We begin with a general discussion of the nature and method of forensic assessment, highlighting the various data sources on which a forensic assessment is based and the hypothesis testing nature of the evaluation process.The specialization of forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has incorporated important advances during the last two decades. As scientific advances, specialized tools, and relevant ethical guidelines have become core elements of FMHA, however , the question of how to regulate poor practice has assumed increasing importance..