The assessment of custody and access disputes in cases of sexual abuse allegations.

Sexual abuse allegations directed at one parent can arise in the context of custody and access disputes. The role of the clinician, when such allegations occur, is to provide an assessment of the total situation, taking the allegations into account. To assess the probability that sexual abuse has occurred involves a thorough assessment of the accuser, the accused, the accusation, the child, and different family subsystems. Particular attention should be paid to interviewing the young child with detailed focus on the interviewing process, how the interviews are reported and what conclusions may be drawn from them. Following a thorough assessment, the clinician may reach one of three conclusions: that the sexual abuse has probably occurred, has probably not occurred, or is unsure. A strong caution is given against becoming entangled in an endless process of trying to find out whether the allegations are true or false. Whatever conclusions are reached are but one factor in the recommendation regarding custody and/or access. Ultimately the recommendation will be made according to the best interests of the child, taking into account the child's relationships and attachments, as well as the sexual abuse allegations.