It is suggested that you obtain the text of any guidelines before you begin your evaluation. The Child's Best Interest is paramount. The evaluator must be neutral at all times. The focus of the evaluation is on parenting capacity and the psychological and developmental needs of the child and the resulting fit. The participants are to be informed about the limits of confidentiality and disclosure of information.
Data gathering includes clinical interviews, observations and psychological assessments.
One-sided evaluations concerning persons not seen are unethical Quality of service must not be dictated by fees. Evaluators are to avoid communications with only one attorney or the court on substantive issues. It is expected that evaluator will possess at least a master's degree in a mental health field and have considerable training and understanding of families , issues of divorce, and child development and the court. Jessica St. Clair, M.F.T., is a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor with over twenty years experience working with families and children. She is a therapist, credentialed teacher and qualified child custody evaluator.