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Custody Evaluations, often referred to as  parenting plan evaluations, are structured, neutral assessments conducted to assist the court in making decisions regarding parenting arrangements.

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The focus is on understanding the needs of the child, the functioning of each parent and the overall family system. The goal is to provide the court with clear, organized information to support decisions that promote the child's stability and well-being. 

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The Process May Include:

• Interviews with parents and children 

• Observations of parent-child interactions

• Review of records and collateral information

• Home visits to each parent's home

• Communication with other professionals involved in the case

• Psychological Testing​

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Role of the Evaluator:

The evaluator serves as a neutral professional whose scope of the evaluation is defined by the court order and applicable professional standards.

This includes:

• Maintaining objectivity

• Avoiding dual roles (such as providing therapy in the same case)

• Providing observations and when appropriate, recommendations to assist the court. Final decision regarding custody and visitation are always made by the court.​​

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​Parenting coordination is a structured, court-involved service designed to assist parents in implementing and maintaining their parenting plan in high-conflict situations.

 

The focus is on reducing ongoing conflict, improving communication, and supporting consistent decision-making in day-to-day parenting matters.

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The process may include:

• Working with parents to clarify and implement existing court orders

• Assisting with communication and conflict management

• Supporting resolution of routine parenting disputes

• Coordinating with other professionals involved in the case when appropriate

 

Role of the Parenting Coordinator

The parenting coordinator serves as a neutral professional who helps parents follow and apply their parenting plan.

This includes:

• Facilitating communication between parents

• Providing guidance to reduce conflict and improve consistency

• Making recommendations and/or decisions within the scope of the court order, when authorized

 

The Parenting Coordinator does not modify custody or make decisions outside the authority granted by the court.

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Reunification Therapy is a structured, court-involved process designed to support the repair and restoration of the relationship between a child and a parent when that relationship has been disrupted.

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The focus is on reducing barriers to contact, supporting the child's sense of stability and safety and helping families move toward healthier patterns of interaction.

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The process may include:

• Individual sessions with parents and/or the child

• Gradual, assisted parent-child structure

• Support for communication and interaction patterns

• ​Coordination with other professionals in the case

Pacing is guided by the needs of the child and the overall stability of the family system.

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Role of the Reunification Therapist

The Reunification Therapist serves as a neutral, court-informed professional responsible for structuring and pacing the process.

​This includes:

• Maintaining focus on the child's needs

• Supporting safe and appropriate contact

• Monitoring readiness for progression

• Providing updates to the court when required by order or circumstance

The Reunification Therapist does not make legal decisions regarding custody or visitation.​

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Mediation is a structured, neutral process designed to help parents reach agreements regarding parenting arrangements and related matters outside of court.

The focus is on facilitating productive communication, identifying workable solutions, and supporting agreements that reflect the needs of the child and the family.

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The process may include:

• Joint or separate sessions with parents

• Identification of areas of agreement and disagreement

• Guided discussion of parenting schedules and decision-making

• Development of mutually agreed-upon terms, when possible

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Role of the Mediator

The mediator serves as a neutral facilitator.

This includes:

• Supporting respectful and productive communication

• Assisting in exploring options and potential solutions

• Maintaining neutrality and avoiding advocacy for either party

The mediator does not make decisions or provide recommendations to the court and all sessions are confidential.

Important Distinctions

Mediation differs from other court-involved services:

• It is voluntary in nature, even when court-referred

• The outcome is based on mutual agreement, not evaluation or determination

• The mediator does not assess or determine custody arrangements

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