Grasping the Nettle: Forensic Child Psychiatry

Abstract

Child psychiatry is becoming increasingly involved with the law. Other professionals have expertise in interpreting children's needs and behaviours to the courts, but child psychiatrists have unique skills and lawyers should be helped to understand what they have to offer. Difficulties in the dialogue between child psychiatry and the law are discussed. Training child psychiatrists to function efficiently in the legal system must be given priority by the newly established Faculty of Child Psychiatry.