Child Custody Evaluator

Not all wars are fought over land and natural resources. Unfortunately, some are fought over children. And while they may take place between parents in courtrooms instead of militaries on battlefields, they’re often just as devastating to the kids involved.

As a Child Custody Evaluator, you mediate child custody wars and mitigate the damage done to children.

Typically a Social Worker, Psychologist, or Attorney, you work with Judges, families, and Lawyers to decide with whom children will live when their parents are getting a divorce. To do this, you must decide — or “evaluate” — what is in the best interests of the child.

Sometimes, parents are ordered by the court to work with a Child Custody Evaluator. Other times, parents choose to work with one. In both cases, your days as a Child Custody Evaluator are spent assessing families through a combination of written surveys, home visits, parent and child interviews, monitored play sessions, and psychological testing. Your goal: gathering information that will help you place the child in the best and healthiest home based on their individual situation and needs.

That information includes everything from the child’s age, gender, and health to the parents’ physical and mental well-being, not to mention factors such as domestic and substance abuse history, the child’s education and religious preferences, and the parents’ ability to provide love and affection, a safe and stable living environment, and consistent food and shelter.

Ultimately, child custody decisions belong to a Judge, who acts as the Commander in Chief during child custody wars. As the court’s eyes and ears, however, you’re definitely a trusted General!