Evaluation Information
The evaluation consists of several different components. The evaluator will usually start by asking you to complete a questionnaire that provides detailed information about you, the other party and your children. The evaluator will then schedule interviews with the parties, the children, and any significant other individuals in the children's lives. The interviews will often be conducted individually, and jointly with the other party or parties. In addition, the evaluator will observe you and your children interacting together. The evaluator may go to your home and assess how the child or children are doing in the home and the conditions of your home.
The evaluator also gathers information from various collateral sources. You and your attorney will have the opportunity to provide information and documents to the evaluator. The evaluator will also collect information from schools, doctors, and other professionals. You will be asked to execute releases so that the evaluator can obtain these records. Finally, the evaluator will obtain information from sources such as family members, school personnel, and daycare providers.
Child Custody Evaluations
The Child Custody Evaluation will be accomplished utilizing the Texas Administrative Code guidelines and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Handbook. This Child Custody Evaluation addresses the issues of background checks, home and physical living environment and safety issues, financial status, health needs, special needs, allegations, attachments, parental alienation, parental physical and mental health, styles of parenting and discipline, and social support systems.
Per the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC):
The primary purpose of a child custody evaluation is to assess the family and provide the courts, the parents, and the attorneys with objective information and recommendations. The assessment goals of a child custody evaluation shall be to (a) identify the developmental needs of the child(ren); (b) identify the strengths, vulnerabilities, and needs of all other members of the family; (c) identify the positive and negative family interactions; (d) develop a plan for custody and access utilizing the strengths of each individual that will serve the best interests of the child(ren) and within those parameters, the wishes and interests of the parents, and in most situations provide them with an opportunity to share in the upbringing of their child(ren); and (e) through a written report, provide the court, parents, and attorneys with these recommendations and supporting data.