Forensic assessment via videoconferences in family law proceedings: from the experience during the COVID-19 pandemic to the new perspectives

Abstract

The literature has long been interested in using videoconferencing in the clinical context, while its applications in the psycho-forensic context have been little studied. The diffusion of COVID-19 has forced experts to use forensic telepsychology, and this work aimed to evaluate the representations of a group of experts in child custody disputes in family proceedings. Method: Two focus groups were conducted with 13 experts (psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychiatrists, and psychodiagnostics) with a mean age of 57.08 (SD=9.88). Focuses were transcribed verbatim and analyzed according to Grounded Theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). We coded and classified the raw data by analyzing the transcripts for potential conceptual categories; the data collected were grouped into five macro-categories and twenty-one sub-categories (Difficulties linked to the methodological issues, Positive aspects, Emotions, Locus of control, Beliefs for the future). Descriptive and correlational analyses were carried out. Results: Experts identified methodological difficulties in the pandemic period related to the setting in online interviews, the use of PPE in face-to-face interviews, the assessment of non-verbal communication, increased complexity, and the assessment of minors. Positive aspects related to the acquisition of new skills and the development of alternative strategies also emerged. They expressed negative emotions such as rejection, uncertainty, confusion, fatigue and difficulty, and even optimism, and confidence, especially among older experts. The tendency to self-attribute difficulties and the need for guidance emerged. For the future, the idea of sustainable change emerged. Conclusions: The data confirm the importance of expanding research on the effectiveness of VC in the forensic context.