INTERACTION

CONSULTANTS

Back to "Services" page

Critiquing Custody and Access Assessments

Assessment Critique: Hired gun or dispassionate opinion

Parents Have Until the Gavel Comes Down

Assessment Critiques   

At times one or other party may be unsatisfied with their child custody and/or access assessment. An assessment critique offers a critical review of the assessment in view of standards of practice as set out within the professions of social work, psychology and psychiatry. Further the critique can provide comment on the reasonableness of recommendations in view of social science research on data provided within the assessment report.

More specifically, an assessment critique provided herein addresses such issues as:

1. The qualifications/credentials of the assessor: Is the assessor qualified to provide the assessment and is the assessor a member of his or her professional association in good standing?

2. Assessment process: Has the assessor followed generally established guidelines and procedures for conducting an assessment?

3. Multiple sources of information: Has the assessor relied upon several sources of information to provide checks and balance to the data?

4. Internal integrity of the report: Do the recommendations make sense in view of the observations and data collected directly by the assessor?

5. External integrity of the report: Is there consistency with the data collected by the assessor from outside sources of information and do the recommendations make sense in terms of this cumulative data?

6. Best interests of the child: Do the recommendations provide for the best interests of the children particularly with regard to safety, development and opportunity for ongoing meaningful relationships?

7. The scientific bases for recommendations: Has the assessor shown an understanding of social science research either in the formulation of their assessment data and/or in the recommendations and does the social science research support the recommendations?

Please note that an assessment critique, like the assessment, should be independent and unbiased. An assessment critique is not intended to provide a one-sided assessment. An assessment critique does not include re-interviewing either party, children or collateral contacts. An assessment critique may not find fault with the assessment, or even in view of fault, the assessment critique may still support the report or recommendations overall. An assessment critique does not guarantee therefore, an opinion contrary to that of the assessment or a finding of fault.

Assessment critiques require on average, 5 to 10 hours to complete, depending on the length of the assessment and amount of other materials (Pleadings Brief) subject to review. In the event the assessment is deemed reasonable and appropriate, the report may be brief. If fault is found or issues raised, the report will provide detail. Alternative recommendations may be suggested.

Service is provided at the rate of $200.00/hr plus GST, provided from my Dundas location. A retainer of $2120.00.00 is required prior to commencing, accounting for 10 hours time. In the event less time is taken, a refund will be provided. In the event more time is required a bill (due upon receipt) will be submitted.  

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