Expert witness assessments are often required for child and family matters in private and public law proceedings as well as criminal law proceedings.
Using a range of in person assessment approaches with children and families, we offer bespoke assessments to any queries raised by solicitors, parents and the courts.
What we offer
We offer bespoke assessments which respond in full to the queries raised within the Letter of Instruction from the solicitor and/or the parents’ request.
Our evidence based view is made using a range of assessment approaches in person with children and families.
Assessments
As an experienced expert witness, Dr. Tamasine Black draws on a wide range of approaches and psychology methods and has particular interests and skills in contact disputes, care proceedings, clinical negligence cases, abuse, neglect, trauma, loss, attachment, complex presentations, autism, learning disabilities.
Recent instructions have included matters in relation to the impact of ADHD on offending behaviours, assessment of capacity, educational outcomes following injury, deprivation of liberty safeguards and care proceedings.
We accept instructions in family and criminal proceedings, with an understanding of the importance of expert evidence in public law proceedings under the Children Act 1989 to assist the court in safeguarding children.
How this can help
The primary function of the expert witness is to assist the court in reaching its decision by providing independent expert and technical analysis and opinion on any issue(s) related to the child and family in question.
As well as providing evidence in public law proceedings, we can assist in private law proceedings where concerns or allegations have been raised by one parent against another or where the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS) has raised concerns about risk.
We also provide reports in pre-proceedings and understand the need for prompt assessment and reporting as well as clear and timely communication.
How much does it cost?
Due to the bespoke nature of our services, prices are available on request.
Expert Witness Services FAQ
What is this service and assessment for?
Dr. Tamasine Black specialises in child and family matters for private and public law proceedings, as well as criminal law proceedings.
Recent instructions have included matters in relation to capacity, deprivation of liberty safeguards, secure children’s home placement, family capacity and care proceedings.
As an experienced expert witness, Dr. Black draws on a wide range of approaches and psychology methods and has particular interests and skills in contact disputes, parental alienation, care proceedings, abuse, neglect, trauma, loss, attachment, complex presentations, autism and learning disabilities.
Who carries it out?
Our expert witness services are carried out and delivered by Dr. Black.
What happens during the process?
Expert witness services are done on a case by case basis so the procedure differs for each individual child.
Specific assessments will be carried out after which a full report will be made.
This service is usually requested by a letter of instruction from a solicitor or as a result of a direct request from a parent or carer.
What happens afterwards?
Following Dr. Black’s assessment, a full report is produced for the court, adhering to court timelines and Expert Witness guidelines.
A report is issued several weeks after the assessment. We will update you by email at stages through the process on the approximate timeframe for the report. We can provide fast track assessments for urgent cases at additional cost.
Is there anything else I need to know?
We work within all required legal frameworks, BPS and HCPC requirements.
The standardised assessments that we use include:
- Cognitive assessments (WISC V and BAS 3)
- Attainment assessments (WIATT 3 and BAS 3)ADHD and ASD assessments
- Parent child attachment scales including CARE-Index, Child Attachment Interview, Story Stem, Bene Test of Family Relations and The Coventry Grid.
If you have any more questions or would like more information, please contact us.
