NY A02375

Courts may appoint forensic evaluators (psychologists, social workers, or psychiatrists licensed in New York) to evaluate parties and children in child custody and visitation proceedings, provided they completed a required training program within the last two years.

No individual may conduct court-ordered child custody forensic evaluations unless they have received certification of completion for the training program within the last two years, with non-compliant evaluators required to notify courts within 72 hours.

The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence shall develop and provide a training program covering domestic violence, coercive control, child abuse, trauma, litigation abuse, and related topics, with the program reviewed and updated at least every two years.

Courts must require proof of certification from appointed forensic evaluators before appointment, and the training hours for initial and refresher courses shall be determined by the Office of Court Administration in consultation with the Coalition.

Parties retain the right to file private legal actions against child custody forensic evaluators, and the act takes effect 180 days after enactment.