Value biases of social workers in custody disputes

The present study examined the perceptions of 216 Israeli social workers concerning nine major child custody arrangements related to a hypothetical case of child custody dispute between parents. More specifically, their recommendations concerning child custody in cases of divorce were assessed. Although subjects used appropriate criteria in making their recommendations, custody was seldom awarded to fathers even when they were qualified for it. There were indications that the subjects were value-biased in their judgments, even in cases in which the best interest of the child, as well as the knowledge now available on the subject, would suggest that the father should assume custody. It is suggested that because the workers were value-biased, their professional socialization should be reconsidered.