Psychological assessment and reporting in family law matters

Family law matters can involve complex questions about children's needs, family relationships,

parenting capacity and the circumstances affecting family functioning.

 

A full family report provides a structured assessment of all the relevant issues and evidence,

where a short family (or child impact) report considers the most immediate concerns. The

scope of the assessment depends on the referral, the questions to be addressed

and the applicable legal and professional requirements.

 

Illuminate FP&L provides all psychological assessments and reporting for family and children's

court matters, with attention to the information relevant to the referral and the needs of

the intended decision-makers.

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Areas of assessment

Depending on the referral questions and scope of the assessment, relevant areas may include:

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• Children's developmental, emotional and relational needs.

• Family relationships and family dynamics.

• Parenting capacity and parent psychological functioning, including risk.

• Family circumstances and factors relevant to children's wellbeing.

• Information arising from interviews, observations, records and other relevant sources.

• Review of previous or contentious family reports.

 

The areas addressed in any individual report depend on the circumstances of the case, the agreed scope of the assessment and the legal jurisdiction.

 

An evidence-informed approach

Family assessments require careful consideration of the available information, the perspectives of those involved and the context in which the referral questions arise.

 

The assessment process is directed towards the needs and well-being of any children. Recommendations and opinions are supported by the available information, with appropriate consideration of limitations and alternative explanations.

 

Reports are prepared to communicate the relevant information, assessment findings and reasoning clearly, in a form suitable for the intended professional audience.

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Artificial Intelligence is not used in the assessment, formulation or reporting in any matter undertaken by Illuminate FP&L.

 

Referrals and enquiries

Solicitors and other authorised professional referrers are welcome to enquire about private and court-ordered family report assessments.

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Please contact Illuminate FP&L to discuss the nature of the matter, the questions to be addressed, the applicable referral arrangements, costs and current availability.

 

Contact Illuminate FP&L about a family report referral.