ABSTRACT
This chapter will explore how assessing children generally involves flexibility, nuance and complexity. When assessing children for forensic purposes this must be combined with interviewing techniques that include standardization and are research-based. The children being assessed have frequently been exposed to difficult or traumatic situations that may impact their memory and their capacity to communicate accurately. The range of referral questions and areas that may need evaluating are widely varied, with some of the variation arising from the specific court venue: juvenile court, family court, civil court or criminal court. This chapter explores the significant difference between clinical and forensic evaluations. Components of the evaluation process are discussed including some discussion of formal psychological testing. Finally, thoughts about organizing data, writing reports and testifying are explored
