The Purpose Of An Assessment

The purpose of an assessment is to answer a question and to give accurate information; usually for an individual who desires more knowledge about oneself to add to his or her treatment plan. Another reason for an assessment can be as part of an agreement amongst clients and their attorneys and/or court.

There are different types of assessments such as Psychological, which determines one’s present adjustment and mental health. This assessment includes the client completing one or more psychometric instruments, one to three clinical sessions with myself, and providing collateral contacts that I may talk to or request records. The accumulation of all this information is involved in writing a report that as accurately as possible describes the functioning of that individual.

Another type of assessment is a Parenting assessment, which helps to determine the quality with which each parent is working as a parent, both individually and collaboratively. This type of evaluation involves one to three individual sessions with myself and play experiences with each parent and their child or children. If warranted, I may visit each parent and their child or children at their home and will talk to collateral contacts. Collateral contacts usually include teachers, coaches, therapists, clergy, health care workers, child care workers, and any other professional that may be helpful. The accumulation of all this information is involved in writing a report that describes the parents in their roles of raising their child or children and making suggestions or recommendations

Custody Study Agreement

A Custody Study may involve the following activities:

• Clinical Interviews with each parent-up to approximately 5 hours per parent
• Home Visits
• Play Session with each parent and the child or children
• Individual Sessions with the child or children
• If appropriate, Observation at drop offs or pick ups or during Parenting Time
• If appropriate, Observation at Child Care Settings
• Psychological Assessment of the parents
• If appropriate, referral for Psychological Assessment of the child/children
• Phone or Direct contact with Collateral Sources-professionals, agencies, medical providers, day care, etc.
• Review of the file
• Compilation and evaluation of all information gathered
• Writing of the report document

Because I am a Neutral, my client will always be your child or children. I do not have preconceived ideas about who shall have custody, and I look at mothers and fathers as equal parents. This also means that no matter who is providing payment, again my client will be your child. I ask that the parents involved are honest, forthcoming, cooperative, present for scheduled visits, and sign all release forms so that I may gather information from Collateral Sources. My goal is to conduct the study in a timely manner in order to reduce the stress that is involved in such an evaluation process.

COSTS:

The price for a Custody Study is $ 10,000.00. This price is for the entire process of the evaluation, no matter how much time is spent on completing the process. The price must be paid on your account at the beginning of the assessment. I am willing, though, to have the parties make two payments, two weeks apart if that is necessary. If the assessment is discontinued within the first three weeks of work, the amount of $3000.00 will be refunded if there is money left in the account.

If you should need me to testify in court there is a $5,000.00 non-refundable amount due one week before testimony is required. Any preparation work by an attorney outside of the actual testimony will be charged and due at my hourly rate at the time.