INTERACTION

CONSULTANTS

You may open and print this article as a one-pager 

for handouts or use in a newsletter:

MSWORD   PDF

Process Issues In Child Custody And Access Assessments

The “process” of assessment refers to the systematic gathering of information, through a methodical plan of action. Using a medical analogy, imagine a surgeon who cuts before anesthetizing you. Process is everything! In the context of an assessment, a questionable process may undermine the credibility of the assessment, the clinical findings and the recommendations. This can be avoided with attention to the process as discussed herein.

Parents involved in custody and access disputes should not phone assessors directly during the referral process. If they do, they risk the other parent will be concerned that the assessor will be biased by a one-sided version of events.

Rather, it is better if the lawyer for either parent calls assessors first to determine the appropriateness of referral, timelines, costs, etc. Furthermore, the lawyer can request a copy of the CV and ask any other pertinent questions as may be necessary or of concern to their client.

Satisfied that a given assessor is appropriate to the task at hand, the next stage is to seek agreement with the lawyer of the other parent for the referral to take place. Upon reaching agreement or alternately, upon the appointment of an assessor by the Courts, a lawyer should again contact the assessor and discuss data collection and payment.

Receiving monies in advance and holding in trust either by the assessor or by the lawyer is suggested. Having monies upfront reduces concern that the assessor will bias the report with a view to payment. If the cost of the assessment is greater than the amount held in trust, the assessor should take action to ensure that additional monies are secured prior to the disclosure meeting or the submission of the assessment report.

On the matter of data collection, lawyers should deliver the legal file and supporting documents, assessments reports, etc, prior to the assessor setting direct interviews. Having the materials in advance of meeting the parents, allows the assessor to better prepare for the content of the meetings by determining and focusing on salient issues.

With the referral accepted by the assessor, monies in place and documents secured, then the assessor may call the parents and begin the formal interview process. While some parents and lawyers perceive an advantage to the sequencing of interviews, generally no advantage is actually accrued. Multiple appointments will be made and any issues arising should find opportunity for discussion over the course of several interviews.

Custody and access assessments, in accordance with professional guidelines must include interviews with both parents. To do otherwise is considered a “one-sided’ assessment and hence subject to bias, the results of which will be suspect. To do otherwise can only be done on the basis of a substantial issue, supporting such action. There is also a high expectation that parents will be seen with their children and that children will be seen on their own. There is however greater latitude here with concern to the interests, risks and well-being of the children. Interviews with other informants and obtaining of other documents may take place during the process of direct interviews.

Following data collection and interviews, a report is written. While some assessors may choose to release the report with simultaneous delivery, other assessors will require a four-way disclosure meeting, to present the assessment, recommendations and written report. The advantage of a four-way meeting is that again it precludes bias that may be perceived as a result of sequencing and it allows questions, but more importantly, answers to be heard by all parties at the same time, in the same manner. Subsequent to the completion of the assessment process as determined by the delivery of a report, the assessor should exercise caution with regard to any exparté discussions to limit concern or advantage by one party over the other.

Few disputes reach the level of intensity as contested custody and access disputes and few professional activities garner more complaints to professional bodies as these assessments. It is in everyone’s’ best interest to adhere to assessment processes that mitigate the perception of bias and thus maintain the integrity of the entire assessment.

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW

www.yoursocialworker.com

gary@yoursocialworker.com

(905) 628-4847

Gary Direnfeld is a child-behaviour expert, a social worker, and the author of Raising Kids Without Raising Cane. Gary not only helps people get along or feel better about themselves, but also enjoys an extensive career in public speaking. He provides insight on issues ranging from child behaviour management and development; to family life; to socially responsible business development. Courts in Ontario, Canada consider Gary an expert on matters pertaining to child development, custody and access, family/marital therapy and social work.

Buy the book:

For information on Direnfeld's book, Raising Kids Without Raising Cane, click here.

Are you the parent of new teen driver?  Check out this teen safe driving program: www.ipromiseprogram.com