Sections
Legal and Ethical Issues: Introduction | Evolving Concepts of the Status of Children | Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice | Ethical Issues in Research | Legal Issues in Clinical Practice | Overview of the Legal System | Child Psychiatrist as Expert Witness | Forensic Aspects of Child Custody and Divorce | Forensic Aspects of Child Abuse and Neglect | Child as Witness | Civil Litigation | School-Related Legal Issues | Summary Points | References
Excerpt
Clinicians working at the interface of child
and adolescent psychiatry and the law are aware of the evolving
nature of both science and evidence-based medicine and the evolving
and complex nature of the law and related ethical considerations.
This warrants proceeding with thoughtful caution, maintaining a
current knowledge base in the areas of clinical work, developing
systems of maintaining awareness of relevant legal developments
in the local jurisdiction, and when in doubt, consulting with experienced
colleagues or seeking the advice of one's own counsel.