Determining Child Custody in California

Dr. Jorge Galindo has operated a private marriage, family, and child therapy practice with his wife, Dr. Miriam Galindo, in Irvine, California, for nearly 15 years. During this time, Dr. Jorge Galindo has become experienced in assisting individuals involved in child custody disputes and juvenile cases.

In the state of California, child custody disputes are ruled in favor of the parent who can serve the best interests of the child or children involved. The criteria for determining a child’s best interests range from the concrete to the somewhat subjective. For example, the employment status of both parents is taken into account, as are any relevant medical issues.

However, it is equally important for a court to determine whether or not a child has a strong emotional connection to one parent as compared to another. The court may also request an evaluation of each parent’s history of violence and substance abuse, as well as the histories of their respective family members. In most cases, California courts will seek to construct a custody arrangement that closely resembles the schedule that was in place prior to litigation.

How Therapy Helps Rehabilitate Juvenile Sex Offenders

Dr. Jorge Galindo, MFT, has previously counseled juvenile sex offenders at the Olive Crest Treatment Center in Santa Ana, California. An MFT like Dr. Jorge Galindo can provide therapy to sexually abusive youths.

Sex offenses are a growing concern in the United States, with up to one fifth of all rapes and half of all cases of child molestation attributed to juvenile sex offenders. However, juvenile sex offenders are different from adult offenders in the sense that many will not continue to perpetrate sexual offenses. Typically, juvenile sex offenders are male adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 who display impaired judgment and impulse control. Up to 80 percent have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder and 40-80 percent have a history of sexual abuse.

Clinical programming and counseling often involves individual, group, or family therapy. An assessment of behavior is required prior to tailoring a treatment to fit the individual’s needs. A range of treatments may be utilized, including training them to manage impulses effectively, helping establish a positive self-image, and making provisions for prevention of relapse. Youths who struggle with substance abuse require rehabilitation in concurrence with counseling and clinical programming.