A Parenting Plan Evaluation may be helpful when there is a dispute regarding parenting time. The evaluation provides information to assist parents and the Court in making decisions that are best for the child.
A Parental Capacity Assessment considers complexities within families and focuses on the child’s need for a safe, nurturing home environment and responsive, nurturing caregivers. It may be useful when there are concerns regarding mental health, violence, addiction, criminal behaviour, parenting philosophy, the ability of parents to meet their child’s needs, etc.
What to Expect
These assessments are comprehensive and involve:
- Interviews with parents, the child, and others
- The review of various documents (affidavits, health records, police reports, school records, etc)
- Observation visits
- Questionnaires
- An assessment of the child’s needs and each parent’s ability to meet those needs
In each case a report is prepared that summarizes and analyzes the information gathered from all sources. Each parent’s ability to meet their child’s needs is considered, and child-focused parenting plan recommendations are provided when requested.
The reports are intended to assist:
- Parents and lawyers in negotiating parenting plans, and;
- The Court in making parenting-time decisions that serve the best interests of the child.
