DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 569
SUBJECT: Providing Guidance to Prosecutors on the Non-Requirement of Psychological Assessment or Evaluation in Appropriate Cases Involving Child Victims
DATE: July 27, 2026
In the interest of justice and consistent with Chapter 16, Section 1(c) of the Revised Protocol for the Case Management of Child Victims of Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Discrimination (CANE+D), all prosecutors shall not require a psychological assessment or evaluation if psychological abuse has not been alleged, or if an adverse psychological effect on the child is not an element of the crime being charged.
Accordingly, all prosecutors are hereby directed to observe this policy in the conduct of preliminary investigation and prosecution of cases involving child victims, and to ensure that requests for psychological assessments or evaluations are made only in cases where psychological abuse is alleged or where the same is necessary to establish an element of the offense charged.This Department Order shall take effect immediately.
This Department Order shall take effect immediately.
ATTY. FREDDERICK A. VIDA
Secretary
Department of Justice
CN: 0202607452
