When a child is alleged to be a Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS), courts may request a parenting psychological evaluation to inform safety planning, service needs, and case disposition. Institute of Forensic Psychology (IFP) conducts objective, evidence‑based assessments focused on a parent’s ability to provide safe, stable, and developmentally appropriate care within CHIPS/dependency proceedings.
Our Approach
Evaluations are tailored to the referral question and typically include:
- Clinical interviews with the parent/caregiver and relevant collateral contacts (e.g., caseworkers, GAL, treatment providers).
- Record review (child welfare reports, treatment records, criminal/medical history, prior evaluations).
- Standardized measures of psychological functioning and parenting‑related capacities, as indicated.
- Observation of parent–child interactions (when appropriate) and consideration of cultural context, trauma history, and protective/risk factors.
What We Address
- Caregiver mental health, substance use considerations, and treatment engagement.
- Insight into child needs, safety concerns, and case issues.
- Parenting skills and capacity to meet physical, emotional, educational, and medical needs.
- Readiness for change, service participation, and the feasibility of reunification supports.
- Practical recommendations that align with court orders, permanency timelines, and the child’s best interests.
Reporting
IFP provides a clear, structured report that:
- Summarizes pertinent findings and how they relate to statutory criteria and the court’s referral question.
- Outlines specific, actionable recommendations (services, supports, safety conditions, monitoring).
- Maintains neutrality and transparency—we present the data and clinical opinions within scope; the court makes the legal determinations.
Why Choose IFP
IFP delivers evaluations that are objective, evidence-based, and trusted in court. Our multi-credentialed team employs a thorough and impartial process to ensure that findings are clear, relevant, and legally useful. We prioritize timeliness without sacrificing quality, and every evaluation is conducted with professional respect and cultural competence.
We look forward to working with you and supporting the critical decisions entrusted to the courts.
Trusted Support for Family Court Decisions
IFP provides CHIPS Parenting Psychological Evaluations to assist family courts in protecting children’s best interests. Our reports are thorough, impartial, and designed to provide clear answers to referral questions.
To request an evaluation, please contact IFP directly, and a member of our team will follow up with you shortly.