Headingley, Manitoba, Canada
What Am I Embarking On
Parenting Plan assessment (formerly Custody/Access)
A parenting plan assessment is a comprehensive clinical exploration of the needs of a child, within the context of their family and environment. Recommendations are provided relevant to how the needs of a child can best be met..
Within a parenting plan assessment, a social worker may recommend how parenting time and decision making responsibilities relating to the care of a child may be structured. A detailed parenting plan for a child may be produced.
Parenting plan assessments are usually conducted as the result of a separation or divorce. In these cases, parties may have engaged in a collaboration or mediation process however have not been able to come to agreement on the best interest of the child. An assessment may be ordered by the court or at the request of and with the consent of both parties within the dispute. If at the request of the disputing parties, a private contract is created between the parties (or their legal counsel) and the assessor.
The purpose of a parenting plan assessment is to assist the family and the court in developing parenting arrangements in the best interest of the child. These arrangements may include parenting time, decision making responsibilities, and/or communication for each party.
A parenting plan assessment may be used as an additional source of evidence in a court process in the event that the parties are unable to reach an amicable parenting arrangement together. In this case the judge may use the assessment to help in arriving at a disposition that reflects the child’s best interest.
It is important to remember that the best interests of the child may be different from the views and/or preferences of the disputing parties or the child. The social worker is obligated to focus on the best interests of the child.
Parent Capacity Assessment
A parenting capacity assessment is usually conducted at the request of a Child and Family Services Agency to determine the capacity, or ability, of an individual — a parent — to follow through with certain parenting skills or abilities in a consistent and ongoing basis. These skills are assessed to help determine if a parent is able to satisfactorily raise a child into a capable and autonomous adult.
A parent capacity assessment may be requested by the courts and as such is used to assist a judge in making an educated decision regarding the people involved.
Assessors gather information from different sources. These include a parent(s) ability meet their child(ren)’s needs; the skills of a parent to work through their own challenges; the quality of a parent/child relationship; any any support available to the family. This information is collected and analyzed resulting in a report with recommendations to support the best interests of the child(ren). Recommendations can address options such as placement, long term planning, services that may help a parent work through their issues, or treatment suggestions for the child(ren).
Guardianship Assessment
A guardianship assessment is sometimes requested by the courts or a Child and Family Services Agency when a party comes forward wanting to take legal responsibility for a child that is unable to remain with their parents for various reasons. Guardianship is most frequently used when a relative caregiver wishes to provide a permanent home for a child rather than the child being/remaining involved with a Child and Family Services Agency.
A guardianship assessment can be requested to help a judge make an educated decision about whether the application would be in the best interest of the child.
Once appointed, the guardian has the care and control of the child and is responsible for the child’s maintenance, education and well-being.
What to Expect During an Assessment
Interviews with Parents/Guardian
Interviews are conducted over a series of appointments (3-4) lasting 1-2 hours each time. During the interviews we will look at your past upbringing, present situation, and future hopes and dreams. The goal is to have a balance picture of who you are as a person.
Interviews with child
Interviews will be conducted with children when it is appropriate to do so. The purpose of this is to better understand what a child wants and needs and hear their understanding of things relating to them. For children over 12, it can be an opportunity for their voice to be heard within the report as the courts may be able to take these into consideration.
Observations
A parent/child observation will be done each party involved. These usually occur in the home or at any regular scheduled visiting location. They are 1-1.5 hours in length.
Interviewing significant others
Significant others may play and important role in a child’s life. When there is a significant other in one or more party’s life, it is important that those voices are also heard in the report. Any significant other will be interviewed to determine how they fit into the life of the child.
Collaterals
Professional collaterals such as therapists or program directors may be contacted to provide information about how they are supporting the party or if there are any concerns about parenting ability.
Personal collaterals may be contacted for character references. They may be able to speak to knowing the party as a parent and/or their relationships.
Reporting
All information gathered is reviewed and analyzed to create a final report. The report contains the voice of the various interviews and answers any specific questions asked in the contract. The report makes recommendations regarding the best interest of the child(ren). It is released to help your team make the best decisions moving forward.
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