Child and Family Forensic Evaluation Service (CAFFES)

In a case where one parent has been absent from a child’s life for a substantial amount of time: under what, if any, conditions would it benefit the child to establish a relationship with the parent and what are the risks to the child and current caretakers that should be carefully monitored over the course of any attempt to develop a relationship?

In a case where there are allegations of substance abuse or mental health impairment in a parent: what are the true circumstances of that parent’s alleged substance abuse or mental health condition, and how does it impair that parent’s ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child during their parenting time? Does the parent suffer from a mental illness or substance abuse, and, if yes, how does this impact their ability to provide a consistent and safe environment during their parenting time?

In a case where a child is very young or has special needs: Given a parental agreement or court ruling on legal and physical custody, what specific parenting schedule would be developmentally appropriate? Are there several variations which could be equally appropriate? Is there a type of parenting schedule that should be avoided?

In a case with a young child and unsubstantiated allegations of abuse: How can access be allowed in a safe, developmentally appropriate and careful manner while the allegations are investigated and determined, especially if there has been a lapse in contact?

In a case where relocation has been allowed by the court: what would be a developmentally appropriate access plan, given the circumstances of the parties and the child(ren) and the upcoming move?

In a case where one parent asserts that a child wishes to change residence and live with the non-custodial parent: a BFA of the circumstances of that request could be useful. The assessment might include: What is the legitimacy of the parent’s assertion that the child so desires? What is the context of and basis for the child’s wish to change residence; is the child able to articulate his/her reasoning in a developmentally appropriate way; what is the parents’ report of the history of this request as well as the parenting and attachment history, are there concerns about parental influences on the child’s thinking/wish; does the child have any special needs and what would be the impact on the child of such a change were it to be granted?

In a case of a child who appears aligned with one parent to the exclusion of the other: what are the true dynamics of the parent-child relationship, can the relationship be improved if appropriate to do so, and how?

In a case where it is reported that a teenage child or children wishes to address the Court to express his/her preference(s): is that wish accurately reported and would it be in the child’s best interest and if so how might it be accomplished?

In a case where a previous custody evaluation has been done but is now stale: what updates are now needed (with specific areas of focus identified—such as a new parenting plan schedule, whether a parent has completed certain tasks that were suggested in the previous evaluation, etc.)?

In a case where concerns are raised about the conditions and safety and appropriateness of one parent’s home: what does a home study reveal?

Examining allegations of: parent coaching, manipulating, biasing or disaffecting a child from the other parent.

What if any are the needs for visitation supervision? And if visits should be supervised presently: what steps need to be taken to remove the supervision restriction?

What school(s) should the child(ren) attend: including an evaluation of the educational/learning/psychosocial needs of the child(ren)?

For children from birth to age three: what is the nature and quality of the child’s attachment to each parent, and what is the most appropriate time share plan both presently, and in increments as the child progresses from age one to two to three?

What specific child-exchange provisions: time, place, persons present or prohibited, etc., will best serve the children (including protecting them from conflict)?

What specific legal custody language could be tailored to the child(ren) and parents at issue? That is, what specific division or assignment of who will decide what issues, would best serve the children? (to include health care, academics, extracurricular activities, etc. etc.)

Determination of the best plan for sharing holidays/school closing days/summer vacation days.

Choosing between two or more proposed time sharing plans: i.e. one week on/one week off vs. 2-2-5-5 vs. some other proposed plan(s) to determine which will best serve the children’s interests.

Appropriateness of childcare providers: including hired child care, family members, etc..