PN8, Custody Access assessments and formal assessments can help to identify issues in the parenting and custody arrangement and make recommendations for custody access and rectification of issues. While assessments can vary from case to case, PN8 assessments include a review of legal documentation and history, testing, interviews, observations, home visits and consultation with one of Insight’s trained professionals.
What is a PN8 assessment?
Custody access and parental assessments are designed to examine the dynamics of parent-child interactions. These assessments are called a Practice Note 8 (PN8) assessment. Child custody and access assessments are required when parents are unable to resolve parenting disputes themselves and a PN7 assessment was unsuccessful in resolving the issues experienced by the family. Insight’s role is to provide recommendations in setting out a plan for the ongoing care of the child between separated parents.
Why is the assessment used?
PN8 assessments have been specifically designed to explore the custody and access issues identified, identify the child or parental behaviours, dynamics or mental health concerns that may be in question and make recommendations for the best interest of the child. Parenting Experts will assess the family’s situation and report their findings and opinions to the Court about parenting arrangements, responsibilities and decision making, which will assist the Court in making decisions that are in the best interests of the child or children.
The assessment process
Insight’s assessment process may include:
- Reviewing Court ordered documents
- Exploration and review of appropriate parenting techniques
- Personality and parenting testing
- Parent-child observations
- Reference checks
- A home visit with identification of potential for child abuse, violence or alcohol and drug abuse
- Thorough background history gathering on every person involved in the family
- Interviewing or consultation with police, teachers, Alberta Children and Family Services, grandparents, other family members and friends.
- Examination and concluding report on factors pertinent to the welfare and placement of the child/ren about what risk factors are present.
Typically these assessments are based on the number of caregivers and the number of children and depending on the requirements of the Court, will take between 35-80 hours to complete.
To learn more about booking a PN8 (Custody Access) assessment, please call 780-461-1717. We recognize that each individual has different needs and our intake and admin specialists will be able to provide you with an estimated quote and timeline for your assessment.
