The Registered Custody Evaluator

The health/mental health professionals listed as Registered Custody Evaluators in the Register of Custody Evaluators are individuals who have met the following criteria.

  1. They hold credentials as independent providers of health/mental health services in their respective professions.
  2. They have education, training and experience relevant to conducting independent comprehensive custody evaluations.
  3. They have extensive experience in conducting independent comprehensive custody evaluations, substantiated by judges, attorneys, and other mental health professionals.
In order to be listed in the Register of Custody Evaluators, individuals must submit thorough documentation including university transcripts, copies of professional licenses (which are verified), data on actual custody evaluations conducted (verified via attorneys and court systems), information on adherence to ethical standards, a listing of training relevant to custody evaluations (continuing education courses, seminars, research projects), memberships in professional organizations, special status (e.g., diplomate, awards), publications, workshops offered, and number of years experience.

PACE'S CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP
For
Licensed Mental Health Professionals
Registered Custody Evaluator (R.C.E.) ACADEMY DIPLOMATE
  1. Currently licensed* by a State Board of Examiners to practice a mental health specialty at the independent practice level; and
  2. Doctoral or Masters Degree in a mental health specialty from a university/college that is regionally accredited; and
  3. Five years custody evaluation experience, during which the applicant has independently conducted a minimum of ten comprehensive custody evaluations; and
  4. One Endorsement Memo.
* Employees of family court systems do not have to be licensed.
Registered Custody Evaluator (R.C.E.) ACADEMY FELLOW
  1. Same as above.
  2. Same as above.
  3. Two and one-half years experience and five custody evaluations.
  4. Two Endorsement Memos.
Registered Custody Evaluator (R.C.E.) ACADEMY MEMBER
  1. Same as above.
  2. Same as above.
  3. One year custody evaluation experience and five custody evaluations; and
  4. Two Endorsement Memos (one must be from a family court judge).
ASSOCIATE ACADEMY MEMBER*
  1. Same as above.
  2. Same as above.
  3. There is no requirement for having experience in the field.
  4. Two general letters of recommendation are required.


*This membership classification is for licensed mental health professionals who do not, as yet, meet the requirements for experience in the field but are planning to eventually become Registered Custody Evaluators (R.C.E.). Associate Academy Members receive two certificates (suitable for framing), the Custody Newsletter, are listed on the PACE internet site, and receive all of the same discounts and special offers as fully registered members. They cannot use the designation, Registered Custody Evaluator (R.C.E.) but can describe themselves as Associate Academy Members of the Professional Academy of Custody Evaluators (PACE).

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