Family Forensic Services
Custody and Parenting Time Evaluations
Custody and parenting time evaluations require adherence to the Board of Psychological Examiner’s standards for conducting such evaluations. These standards direct a process intended to provide information for review sufficient to permit a recommendation regarding custody and parenting time. This process includes but is not limited to conducting several interviews with each parent, observing each parent with the children in a neutral office setting or in each parent's home. Psychological testing may be conducted. Information will be sought from professionals who have been involved with the family as well as from individuals with knowledge of each adults parenting style.
Removal (out-of-state move away) Evaluations
Once custody has been determined, one parent may seek to relocate with the children. If the other parent does not agree, a different standard is applied in determining the outcome of these decidedly difficult requests, namely that there is a real advantage for the custodial parent to move and that such a move would not be inimical to the best interests of the child. A process similar to that used in determining parenting time— interviews, observation of parent/child interaction, psychological testing and information from collaterals— is followed.
Parenting Coordination
Parent Coordinators are typically assigned to assist parents with the implementation of their custody and parenting time agreements. The parameters of each agreement set the limits of the Parent Coordinator’s scope, and most parents are required to first attempt to resolve disputes and conflicts with the PC before proceeding to Court. The PC is empowered to make recommendations where appropriate, and there are some limitations the PC must observe. The length of assignment is determined at the outset of the PC process and incorporated into a Court order and/or formal written agreement.
Mediation
Mediation is an alternative to litigation. It is a confidential process aimed at reaching an agreement between the parents about parenting time and other issues. If there is agreement, it is formalized, signed and becomes binding. Mediation may be in the courthouse or parents may choose a private mediator as a more thoughtful, less time-limited and more individualized option for their family.
Supervised Parenting Time
Supervised Parenting may be requested when the court has determined that a child’s safety while with one parent is of significant concern.
Therapeutic Reunification
Therapeutic Reunification is a court-ordered service utilized after there has been a significant period of time that a parent and child have been separated, estranged and/or alienated.
Risk Assessment
Specific and focused, this evaluation aims to evaluate an individual’s risk typically as it relates to the safety of a child or children in their presence. Risk factors are assessed via interviews, psychological testing, review of relevant documentation, and contact with collateral individuals, often including those who submit concerns.
Parental Fitness Evaluations
Parental Fitness Evaluations include psychodiagnostic testing and interview of the parent to determine if there are any psychological issues or child abuse risk factors that could pose as an obstacle to effective parenting.
Adoption Psychological Services
Adoption Psychological Services are often at the request of the adoption agency. Through psychodiagnostic evaluation and interview, prospective parents are assessed to determine if there any impediments to adoption of a child.
