Psycho-legal Assessments

Conducting psycho-legal assessments is a process of applying psychological knowledge within a legal context. Sometimes this is referred to as forensic assessments.

Psycho-legal assessments are conducted by psychologists registered with the HPCSA. These psychologists should be competent with regard to the application of psychological principles within the context of the legal system and are viewed as experts who are able to testify in court.

A psycho-legal assessment consists of information-gathering utilising interviews, assessment and reviewing of available reports .

The information will presented in a report.
This report contains the psychologist’s findings and an expert opinion, and may contain recommendations on further areas that require exploration, treatment options and action to be taken.

The legal representative / -s, rather than the client / -s should contact the psychologist to request a psycho-legal assessment and provide a clear mandate.

Elise conducts psycho-legal assessments in the following contexts:

• Primary care and residence
• Parenting abilities
• Mental status of minor children / Socio- emotional functioning
• Mental status:– If required in an acrimonious divorce.
  – Mental incapacity applications
  – Minor crime
  – Wrongful arrest
  – Application for readmittance when suspended by official body
  – Inquire about other requirements.
• Voice of the Child / Child Participation
• Parenting plans
• Mediation
• Parenting co-ordination
• Parental guidance or therapy instructed per court order, by family advocate or referred by parenting co-ordinator.
• Family Law
• Mental Status Reports
• Personal injury
• White collar and minor crime

Kevin conducts psycho-legal assessments in the following contexts:

• Mental Status Reports
• Personal injury
• Wrongful arrest
• White collar and minor crime
• Medical negligence (emotional impact)