Steps towards assessing the quality and consistency of family reports prepared by pscyhologists appointed as single expert witnesses - an Australian pilot study

This pilot study extended Australian survey research by examining the quality of family reports prepared by psychologists appointed as the single expert witness. A quality measure (‘QM’) was developed based on survey findings and its psychometric properties assessed. Twenty-one (N=21) reports were reviewed by independent Expert Psychologists (EPs) using the QM. These preliminary results suggest that the Overall Quality of reports may be positive but problematic components were identified. Comparisons with previous survey data raised concern about the possibility of psychologists’ inflating self-reported ratings of quality. This pilot study highlights the difficulties accessing reports in family law proceedings, the utility of a standardised QM, and the need for a large-scale archival study. Such research is imperative and timely in Australia, to inform research, policy and improve the practice of report writers.