What to Expect
Psychological evaluations usually consist of an interview and the administration of several psychological tests. The psychologist doing the evaluation will review the court file and other documents, as appropriate, and will speak with individuals familiar with the person being evaluated.
Evaluations are typically scheduled in half-day blocks of time and usually taking four to five hours.
Sample Referral Questions for the Psychological Clinic:
Regarding parents
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the parents?
- To what degree do the parents demonstrate empathy, attachment, and judgment in relationship to their child?
- Does a parent exhibit symptoms consistent with a particular psychiatric diagnosis (e.g., intellectual disability, mental illness, substance abuse) that impacts their ability to effectively parent?
- What is the level of cooperation of the parents with other professionals involved in the case? How open are they to suggestions for change?
- A Parenting Capacity Evaluation examines if a person is “good enough” to A good parent mainly covers the following four aspects:
- Fulfills child’s developmental and health needs
- Provides consistent and daily care
- Prioritize children’s need
- Addresses their problems and provide all possible supports
Regarding children
- What are the developmental and emotional needs of the child?
- Does the child have special education, health or other needs that might impact a parenting plan?
- How well do the parenting ability and styles fit with the child’s needs?
Regarding the parents’ relationship with one another
- Is there demonstrated capacity for cooperation?
- What is the nature and intensity of disagreements over the child?
- How do each feel about the involvement of the other in the child’s live (e.g., are there deliberate efforts, subtle or otherwise, at alienating the child from the other parent)?
Potential for risk
- Is there a history of violence?
- What is the likelihood that an individual will pose a threat of danger to the child or the ex-partner?