Court/Expert Testimony
Melissa Ratliff Knight LCSW is an experienced forensic evaluator in private practice located in Tupelo Mississippi. She has been providing comprehensive forensic evaluations for several years in order to meet the ever-increasing needs of the legal community in North Mississippi, Northwest Alabama, Southwest Tennessee and the surrounding area. Forensic Evaluations are strictly for the assessment of child sexual/physical abuse for the criminal and juvenile court but may also frequently be used in Family court.
While forensic evaluations can be complex and time-consuming, comprehensive evaluation reports are a trademark of Ms Ratliff Knight’s easy-to-understand and matter-of-fact writing style.
ALL Forensic Evaluations conducted by Melissa Ratliff Knight LCSW require a Department of Human Services, Law Enforcement or Attorney referral. Rates for Forensic Evaluations are $100 per hour and may be covered by Victim’s Compensation, the Referring Agency, or insurance.
Melissa Ratliff Knight, LCSW may be summoned to judicial hearings and Court proceedings on behalf of clients or as an expert witness. A fee of $150 per hour will be billed to the Court or Attorney having issued the subpoena. This fee will cover time in preparation for testimony, travel, and time spent at the location of the hearing including testimony. Expenses for travel and meals will also be billed to the Attorney having issued the subpoena.
Please contact Melissa Ratliff Knight LCSW of Conscious Healing Therapy for more information regarding the Forensic Evaluation, Expert Witness and for assistance in asking the right questions to make informed decisions about your cases regarding neglect, abuse, violence involving children and adolescents.
Melissa Ratliff Knight received Masters of Social Work Degree from The University of Southern Mississippi at Hattiesburg and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Mississippi. She has been in therapeutic practice in the area of sexual abuse for over 8 years and has worked in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings as both a clinician and as a forensic evaluator, consulting with attorneys, their clients, and related legal institutions.
Throughout her career, Ms Ratliff Knight has conducted over 200 forensic evaluations along with over 800 forensic interviews. Ms Ratliff Knight has served as an officer of STOP the Hurt, a member of the North Mississippi Multi Disciplinary Team, maintains a professional relationship with numerous Child Advocacy Agencies within the state of Mississippi, and served as an educational speaker on the topic of sexual abuse against children and adolescents for many law enforcement and social services workshops.
In addition, Ms Ratliff Knight has served as an expert witness in multiple Circuit and Chancery Court cases and has offered court testimony in those cases throughout the North Mississippi and
Alabama Judicial System. Melissa Ratliff Knight conducts evaluations and offers expert testimony for Criminal, Family, and Juvenile Courts. She has been qualified as an Expert in Issues of Child
Sexual Abuse, Forensic Interviewing, Delayed Disclosure, Recantation of Sexual Abuse Disclosure,
and other areas as related to Child Sexual / Physical Abuse investigation and treatment. She
demonstrates an objective and qualified opinion in these cases and has testified for both
Prosecution and Defense.
Melissa Ratliff Knight LCSW is responsive and sensitive to the needs of her clients and evaluations are performed quickly and comprehensively. In addition, telephone calls are returned promptly and emails responded to quickly. Ms Ratliff Knight treats clients, their families, law enforcement, court officers, mental health professionals and others in the most professional manner possible.
Ms Ratliff Knight's reports are free of psychological jargon and written in a logical, coherent, and easy-to-understand manner. Ms Ratliff Knight is an articulate, reliable, and dedicated professional. Because of this, legal professionals, insurance companies, and governmental agencies often call upon Ms Ratliff Knight to provide services for cases involving criminal and other family court matters. All evaluations are in compliance with Standards outlined by the National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville Alabama.
