Forensic Assessment

Forensic assessment is a part of the broader category of psychological assessment. The purpose of forensic assessment is distinct from that of traditional therapeutic assessment, and as such forensic evaluators have different training and practice guidelines. The settings in which forensic evaluations occur are vast, including law enforcement, correctional, and civil and criminal court settings. Forensic assessment may include traditional psychological assessments and specially designed forensic measures.

[Page 329]Psychological assessment refers to all the techniques used to evaluate an individual's past, present, and future psychological status. The primary goals of assessment involve providing explanations for past and present behavior and making predictions about the parameters of future behavior. Furthermore, psychological assessment may involve the use of psychological tests or measuring devices. Forensic assessment is a category ...