What should a psychologist do if asked to evaluate a child living with the father, who is the custodial parent?

In situations where a psychologist is asked to evaluate a child, it is critical to gather informed consent, particularly from the custodial parent, who possesses the legal authority to make decisions regarding the child's welfare and treatment. By consulting the father, the psychologist ensures that they are acting within ethical guidelines and respecting the rights and autonomy of the custodial parent. This step is essential to confirm that the father is aware of the evaluation and agrees to it, thus fostering cooperation in the child's best interests.

Additionally, engaging the custodial parent reflects an understanding of the importance of parental involvement in assessments and interventions involving minors, which often enhances the quality and relevance of the information gathered during the evaluation. Consent from the custodial parent not only aligns with ethical standards but also helps establish a therapeutic alliance that can benefit the child throughout the process.

While it may be important to gather information from other parties, like the mother, this should occur only after securing permission from the custodial parent and in consideration of the context of the evaluation. Hence, proceeding without consent, contacting the mother without the father's knowledge, or declining the evaluation outright would not support ethical practice or the best interests of the child.