<p> social science literature concerning matters of attachment, child development, parental conflict, and other issues like abuse or violence in its various forms. If the recommendations are not supported by Assessment Critique: research, the evaluator can introduce research to Hired gun or dispassionate opinion support an alternate opinion to that offered by the assessment. The use of research by the evaluator If a custody/access assessment provides improves the view that the alternate opinion offered recommendations: is dispassionate.</p><p>1. That do not make sense in view of the data Lastly, the reputation of the evaluator will figure 2. Have serious procedural issues or into the credibility of the opinion provided. If it can 3. May have been compromised by assessor bias be shown that the evaluator has a history of always finding fault with assessments, this can play into a then, an opinion on the reliability and integrity of perception of bias on the part of the evaluator and the assessment report could be prudent. diminish the value of the opinion. What’s more, if it can be shown that there were several drafts of the If you are dissatisfied with a custody/access evaluator’s report and these were transferred assessment, an assessment critique may turn up between the referral source and the evaluator, it legitimate reasons to discredit it, providing an may be argued that the opinion of the evaluator was opportunity to reintroduce your position. coached, again diminishing the value of the opinion as independent. The value of the assessment critique may weigh heavily on the credibility of the evaluator and the It is important to distinguish between a solid process of evaluation. assessment critique and a case consultation. If what is requested is a case consultation, than what While there are no standards by which to critique an transpires between the consultant and the lawyer assessment, several professional disciplines do set may remain private and the consultant’s opinion out minimal standards of practice for actual custody likely won’t be entered at court. The lawyer may and access assessments. These various standards of benefit from a private consultation. However, if an practice should form the basis of a credible critique assessment critique is requested and there is a as they provide the measure against which the likelihood it will be introduced to the courts, then assessment may in part be weighed. It is important the integrity thereof should be as beyond reproach to note that as each professional discipline has it’s as the actual assessment. own standards of practice; the evaluator should be familiar with several and report the standards used A dispassionate opinion carries greater credibility as the basis of the evaluation. As well, it can be than a hired gun. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot! important that the evaluator review the assessment against the standard of practice set out specifically Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW by the assessor’s own professional discipline. Using (905) 628-4847 such standards of practice as the measure improves [email protected] the view that the evaluator is objective in the www.yoursocialworker.com undertaking.</p><p>Gary Direnfeld is a social worker. Courts in Beyond determining that the assessment was Ontario, Canada, consider him an expert on child conducted in a manner consistent with standards of development, parent-child relations, marital and practice, the evaluator next considers the data family therapy, custody and access reported with a view to determining appropriate recommendations, social work and an expert for the linkages to stated recommendations. In other words, purpose of giving a critique on a Section 112 (social the recommendations must make sense in light of work) report. Call him for your next conference and the data reported. Furthermore, the for expert opinion on family matters. Services recommendations should be consistent with recent include counselling, mediation, assessment, assessment critiques and workshops.</p>