Expert Witness

DVT Director, Dr Roxane Agnew-Davies is now retired from legal work and unable to accept instructions from new clients. However, former DVT Associate, Lucy Kralj may be able to accept instructions if you contact her directly: lucykralj@gmail.com

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Lucy Kralj is qualified to make clinical assessments of mental health; to use diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association and to offer therapeutic interventions. The majority of Lucy's cases are heard in the Immigration and Asylum Chamber, but some are heard in Family Courts.

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A psychological assessment takes up to four hours to complete and report submission can be expected four to five weeks after assessment.

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Summary example of time involved in writing Expert Court Report

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• Examination of background information & relevant documents in bundle 4hrs

• Semi-structured interview and administration of psychometric questionnaires 4hrs

• Analysis of interview notes including non-verbal behaviours 2hrs

• Scoring, analysis & interpretation of psychometric measures of mental health 2hrs

• Diagnosis and reporting of DSM Axis 1 disorders 4hrs

• Analysis of experiences of violence & abuse 2hrs

• Impact of violence & abuse on vulnerability 2hrs

• Prognosis and treatment recommendations 1hr

• Likely impact of removal from UK & return to country of origin on mental health 2hrs

• Psychological factors impacting on capacity to give account/follow proceedings 2hrs

• Basis for conclusions; likelihood of fabrication 1hr

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