Assessing Children's Visitation Needs with Divorced Noncustodial Fathers

Abstract

Human service professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and family-relations specialists increasingly are asked to assess children's visitation needs with their divorced noncustodial fathers. Few guidelines exist for making such assessments. The author reviews theories that underscore the importance of fathers, even noncustodial fathers, in children's development as well as discusses the effects of divorce on children and fathers. A model containing variables to consider when assessing children's visitation needs with their noncustodial fathers is’ presented and discussed.