In numerous separating and divorce situations as well as in child welfare matters judges have requested assessments be completed to help determine the best living arrangement for children. When completing an assessment the following information is gathered:

Demographic Information: This would include information about family of origin, educational background, employment …

Background Information: This would include information about your childhood, previous relationships, your relationship with your child’s other parent, current relationship, health, living arrangements, alcohol and drug use and criminal activity. Parents will also be asked about their support network, approach to discipline, expectations they place on their children and to describe a typical daily/weekend routine. If parents have new partners they are also expected to be part of the assessment process.

Caregiver’s Description: This is a homework assignment given to parents.

Observation of Interactions: Interactions between parents and children are observed to assess attachments.

Child Interview: Generally children from school age and up are interviewed, usually at their school or day care. Children are asked questions about school, interests and living with or visiting their parents. Generally by about age twelve children are asked about what living arrangement they would like and why

Collateral Contacts: Professionals (individuals, agencies school) involved with the parents and or children are interviewed and information sought about their involvement with the parents.

Personal References: Individuals such as neighbours, friends, extended family members, etc. who have observed interactions between parent and child would be contacted.

Plan: This would include information about access/care and control for the other parent, school, extra-curricular activities and alternate caregivers. Usually information is gathered in two or three one-hour sessions. Following this a home visit is made to look at the living situation and observe parent child interactions. After home visits have been made with each parent, the child is interviewed and contact is made with any collateral sources involved with the parents and or children. Personal references are also contacted. Finally, a final follow-up interview is conducted with each parent before a report is submitted.

Please refer to assessment intake form, or Contact us for more information.