Family Law - Custody Evaluators - Qualifications and Training
If enacted, SB13 is expected to significantly impact the child custody landscape in Maryland, particularly in relation to how custody evaluations are conducted in court. This bill mandates that custody evaluators undergo a minimum of 20 hours of specialized training in areas affecting child interactions and well-being, including trauma, domestic violence, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences. Such training is intended to better equip evaluators to make informed recommendations that prioritize child welfare, thus potentially improving court decisions regarding custody and visitation rights.
Senate Bill 13, titled 'Family Law - Custody Evaluators - Qualifications and Training', focuses on establishing stringent qualifications and training standards for individuals appointed as custody evaluators in Maryland. The bill specifies various credentials, such as being a licensed physician, psychologist, clinical marriage and family therapist, social worker, or clinical professional counselor, along with necessary experience in pertinent fields. The training requirements aim to ensure that evaluators possess adequate knowledge and skills to assess family dynamics effectively, particularly in cases concerning child custody and welfare.
The discussions surrounding SB13 have highlighted key points of contention, particularly concerning the qualifications and experiences required for custody evaluators. Advocates for the bill argue that the heightened standards will lead to more qualified evaluations that can discern complex family issues, which is vital in protecting child welfare. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the accessibility of qualified professionals and whether these increased barriers may hinder timely evaluations, potentially delaying crucial custody decisions. The balance between maintaining high professional standards and ensuring accessibility is likely to be a focal point in further debates regarding the bill.