Parenting Psychological Assessment

A Parenting Psychological Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation focused on understanding an individual parent’s ability to meet the emotional, psychological, and developmental needs of their child(ren). It is often requested when there are specific concerns or legal questions regarding a parent's capacity, risks, or support needs.

This type of assessment is typically court-ordered or requested by legal counsel, and is conducted by a registered psychologist with expertise in family dynamics and parenting.

What Is Evaluated?

The assessment explores multiple aspects of a parent’s overall functioning, including:

• Mental health and emotional functioning

• Substance use or addiction history

• Parenting knowledge, beliefs, and practices

• Personal and developmental history

• Involvement with and understanding of the child(ren)

• The impact of trauma on the parent or the child

What the Assessment Process May Include?

• Interview with the parent being evaluated.

• Psychological/parent testing.

• Possible interview with the child(ren);

• Document review

• Office or home observation of parent and child(ren);

• Collateral contacts.

• Report writing

What Does the Final Report Include?

The psychologist’s written report may include:

• The parent’s attitudes, history, and relationship with the child

• Any identified risk factors (e.g., trauma, addiction, domestic violence)

• Protective factors or strengths, and whether support or restrictions are needed

• A professional opinion on whether the parent appears to be safe or unsafe in their current parenting role

This report is often submitted as part of legal proceedings and is structured to support decisions in the best interest of the child.

How Long Does the Assessment Take?

A Parenting Psychological Assessment typically takes between 20 to 25 hours to complete.

The exact number of hours depends on:

• The complexity of the case

• The volume of background information to be reviewed