Forensic psychologists are called upon to make recommendations to courts about the fitness of parents. Their evaluations can take place in the context of adoptions, custody disputes and cases involving termination of parental rights. The American Psychological Association standards recommend that psychologists who conduct evaluations gather data to give a full picture of parties enmeshed in such court battles. These include:

1.    Family of origin history.

2.    History of prior mental health issues/mental status.