When an individual is alleged to pose a risk of harm to a child, the court may request a risk assessment to ascertain whether changes need to be made to the parenting time schedule, and what support services may be needed to protect the child. Risk to the child may involve an allegation of physical abuse/domestic violence, sexual abuse, substance abuse, or mental illness.
What is a risk assessment?
A risk assessment is an evaluation of an individual the court identifies as potentially harmful to a child. The purpose of this assessment is to determine whether that individual poses a risk to the child’s welfare , and if so, how to manage that risk.
What does a risk assessment involve?
As the evaluator, my role includes:
- Interviewing the individual
- Administering psychological tests as needed
- Reviewing relevant documents, such as court pleadings, police reports, or school records
- Speaking to collateral contacts*
- Preparing a report with my recommendations
*Collateral contacts are third parties who may provide additional information pertinent to the case, such as friends, family members, health care providers, and teachers. I do not contact these third parties unless a release is signed.
My risk assessment report includes recommendations about whether the individual poses a risk to the child and, if so, what type of contact is in the child’s best interest.
Who risk assessments in NJ?
I conduct child safety risk assessments for child custody and child protection cases in my office in Livingston, New Jersey. Contact me to schedule an evaluation.