Clinical Evaluations for Individuals
Assessments addressing mental health, substance use, and fitness to parent for individuals involved in Family Court matters, grounded in forensic objectivity and clinical expertise, with the impact on children always at the center of every recommendation.
Pathways Resolution Center offers multiple assessment services, based on the unique circumstances of each individual who presents for care. Every evaluation addresses a specific area of an individual parent's functioning, which may have been identified by the court, a referring professional, or an individual voluntarily seeking services.
A Parental Fitness Evaluation, Mental Health Evaluation, and Substance Abuse Assessment may each be ordered or pursued independently, or in any combination, depending on the circumstances of the case. Whether you have been court-ordered to complete one or more of these services, or are voluntarily seeking an evaluation to support your case or personal goals, we are here to guide you through the process with professionalism and care.
One Referral.
One or More Services.
A Parental Fitness Evaluation, a Mental Health Evaluation, or a Substance Abuse Assessment may each be ordered or pursued independently, or sought in combination, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Court-Ordered or Voluntary: All three evaluation services are available by court order or on a voluntary basis. Every individual who presents for an evaluation is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of the circumstances that brought them to this process. If you have been ordered to complete an evaluation, contact us to begin the intake process. If you are seeking an evaluation voluntarily, we welcome the opportunity to discuss which service or combination of services best fits your situation.
Parental Fitness Evaluation
Mental Health Evaluation
Substance Abuse Assessment
A comprehensive assessment of an individual's ability to provide safe, stable, and appropriate care for their child(ren), conducted only when ordered by the court. A Parental Fitness Evaluation is typically ordered in cases involving allegations of abuse, neglect, substance misuse, domestic violence, serious and persistent mental illness, termination of parental rights, or reunification matters.
The evaluation includes:
- Mental health evaluation, substance abuse assessment, and structured assessment of parenting strengths, risk factors, and overall fitness to parent
- Standardized testing related to parental skills, capacity, substance use, and mental health
- Collateral contacts provided by the individual being evaluated and/or their co-parent, when appropriate or ordered by the court
- Interview with the co-parent of the individual being evaluated, when appropriate or ordered by the court
- Review of relevant court, medical, DCF, and treatment records voluntarily provided or as detailed in the court order
- Interview with minor child(ren) if deemed necessary by the evaluator or ordered by the court
- Written report with findings and recommendations
Toxicology Requirement: All individuals referred for a Parental Fitness Evaluation are required to submit to hair and/or nail follicle drug and alcohol testing, with some individuals being required to complete additional screening through collection of a blood sample. Testing and/or screening fees are the responsibility of the referred party.
A comprehensive assessment of an individual's mental health status, examining thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and overall functioning. Ordered when concerns about emotional stability or psychological functioning may affect parenting capacity or child safety and well-being.
The evaluation includes:
- Clinical interview assessing emotional functioning, coping skills, and stress response
- Standardized testing of a psychological nature administered as clinically appropriate
- Review of third-party records as needed or stipulated by court order
- Collateral contacts with relevant professionals or family members as needed or stipulated by court order
- Written report with factual findings, clinical impressions, and recommendations
A specialized evaluation addressing concerns about an individual's substance use and its potential impact on parenting capacity or child safety and well-being. Evaluations are conducted by staff with specialized experience and credentials in substance abuse assessment, including a Certified Master's-Level Addiction Professional (MCAP) and Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) with experience in family court matters.
The evaluation includes:
- Clinical diagnostic interview assessing substance use history and patterns
- Validated substance use screening instruments
- Review of relevant documents voluntarily provided or detailed in the court order
- Collateral contacts with treatment providers, personal references, or a co-parent, when appropriate or court ordered
- Written report with clinical findings and recommendations
Toxicology Requirement: All individuals referred for a Substance Abuse Assessment are required to submit to hair and/or nail follicle drug and alcohol testing, with some individuals being required to complete additional screening through collection of a blood sample. Testing and/or screening fees are the responsibility of the referred party.
What to Expect
Referral & Intake
Evaluation ordered by the court or initiated voluntarily. The intake process includes completion of informed consent, payment for services, and intake questionnaires prior to scheduling.
Clinical Interview
A comprehensive structured interview conducted in person or via a secure Telehealth video platform, addressing relevant history, functioning, and the specific concerns identified in the referral or court order.
Testing & Records
Standardized assessments administered as appropriate. Third-party records reviewed and collateral contacts interviewed consistent with the scope of the evaluation.
Written Report
A detailed forensic report submitted as directed by court order, or provided directly to the individual being evaluated when services are pursued voluntarily.
Contact Us Today to Begin Your Evaluation Process
Whether court-ordered or voluntary, we are here to guide you through the evaluation process with clarity and professionalism. Contact us to discuss your referral or court order, or to request intake paperwork.