Child-centered
Family Evaluation (CCFE)
(aka, Child Custody Evaluation and Parenting Plan
Evaluation)
What
is CCFE?
CCFE is an evaluation process
intended to answer questions posed by the court
so as to assist in making decisions about one or
more children's future best interests.
CCFE is appropriate when
separating, divorcing, and/or relocating parents
dispute details of their children's future care
including, for example, the division of
residential responsibilities (aka "physical
custody") and the division of decision-making
authority (aka, "legal custody"). The CCFE
process is conducted by a specially trained
mental health professional who works to collect
relevant social, emotional, and developmental
data. The CCFE process typically yields a
lengthy and detailed report that is provided to
the court.
CCFE is NOT:
(1) ... an assessment of any individual adult,
although aspects of individual adult functioning
are commonly highlighted in the CCFE process;
(2) ... a parenting capacity evaluation (PCE).
Whereas CCFE focuses on the relationship fit
among the particular individuals involved, PCE
focuses on a particular adult's generic
understanding of and capacity to provide the
basics of childcare;
(3) ... a decision-making process. The Court
makes decisions. CCFE may be able to make
relevant recommendations. In many instances,
CCFE can minimize or curtail the acrimonious
legal process by prompting litigants to settle
based on an understanding of the CCFE's outcome.
(4) ... psychotherapy. The CCFE evaluator will
not intervene, give advice, or otherwise make
interim recommendations during the course of the
evaluation process.
Do
I need a court order?
Yes. CCFE requires a
court order.
The
court's order must set forth the specific
questions that the court intends the CCFE
process to address. It is NOT sufficient for
the court to order:
"Parties will
engage Dr. Garber to complete a child-centered
family evaluation."
Instead, the order might read:
"Parties will
engage Dr. Garber to complete a child
centered family evaluation so as to advise
the court why Sally and Billy are strongly
allied with their Mother and resisting or
refusing contact with their father and what
next steps are most appropriate to allow the
children to enjoy a healthy relationship
with both (all) caregivers.
What
does CCFE include?
CCFE is a
comprehensive evaluation of the transitioning
family system. Each CCFE is crafted to serve
each family's unique needs and the court's
particular orders. In general, CCFE typically
includes:
(1) Joint co-parent interview(s) when such a
meeting does not breach existing restraining
orders to pose a subjective threat to any
participant.
(2) Individual adult interviews reviewing
history, perspective, strengths, weaknesses,
and beliefs for the children's best interests.
(3) Interviews with others involved in the
child's world, e.g., parent's partners,
grandparents, nannies, neighbors, extended
family.
(4) Interviews with each child.
(5) Interviews and/or observations of each
child with each family group.
(6) In some circumstances, individual adult
psychometric testing is conducted.
(7) Review of historical and collateral
documents including court records, arrest
records, health records, and mental health
records.
(8) Integration of addition assessments
specific to need, e.g., drug and alcohol
evaluation, domestic violence evaluation,
neuropsychological assessment.
Dr.
Garber is a pioneer in developing
more time- and cost-efficient
CCFE processes.
What does CCFE
cost?
CCFE is charged on
a per hour basis. The process typically
requires between 40 and 60 hours inclusive of
delivery of a final summary report.
Additional time can be necessary when lengthy
travel time is required, there are more than
two children, allegations of substance abuse,
violence, extreme psychopathology, and other
extraordinary conditions.
The hourly costs
associated with CCFE will be specified
in the initial Statement of
Understanding issued by Dr. Garber.
See a sample
Statement of Understanding
at right
I
want to learn more.
There are at least four avenues to
pursue:
(1) Reach Dr. Garber directly via email with
general questions about CCFE. Please do not pose
questions specific to your situation.
(2) Reach your attorney to learn more. If you do
not have an attorney, your state may provide free
or low cost pro bono assistance. In New
Hampshire go to New Hampshire Legal assistance
(3) If you research online (e.g., Google) use the
phrase "child custody evaluation" and be a very
careful consumer.
(4) Following are a few select resources that may
be helpful. Click on each cover to learn more:
