If you are a refugee or immigrant, person of color, or you are culturally or religiously very different from the average white American, you should keep in mind that the evaluator may not understand your culture. If possible, you should look for someone from your community or church to speak with the evaluator and explain some of the cultural dynamics the evaluator may not understand. For example, if it is common in your culture for parents to allow children to stay for extended periods of time with grandparents and other relatives, you may want to ask someone from your community to talk with the evaluator about that. If the evaluator will not provide an interpreter, you may need to make a motion in court to ask for an interpreter to be appointed for you during the interviews. The court may or may not agree to pay for a language interpreter, if your request is refused, try to contact Columbia Legal Services or Northwest Justice Project.
Appearance is important.
Sometimes, the evaluator will want to interview you and the children at your home. Try to make sure its clean. Also, if the evaluator will see your car, you should clean it up too. The evaluator may look to see if the children have a bed to sleep in, toys and books, and clean clothes. Although this may seem invasive, it is important in the evaluation process.