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CUSTODY EVALUATIONS
FAQ
Who should conduct an evaluation?
In California, child custody evaluators are licensed mental health professionals with specialized training. Beyond the original training, an annual update regarding legal issues, law and ethics and the latest research relating to domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse, divorce and its impact on children, custody and other related mental health issues.
When is an evaluation necessary?
Custody evaluations are recommended whenever there are allegations regarding a parent’s fitness or ability to make decisions in the best interests of the child. Psychological problems, substance abuse or addiction, as well as allegations of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of the child are issues that are thoroughly investigated in such a process. The relocation of a parent when there is a dispute as to where the child should live is another situation that can require an investigation. Evaluations can also address ongoing parental conflict over legal custody issues such as religion, education, extra curricular activities, time share of holidays and vacations.
Sometimes another process such as confidential or recommending mediation, the appointment of a parenting consultant or special master would be an appropriate alternative to having a child custody evaluation.
Child custody evaluations are a time consuming and evocative process for everyone involved. An evaluator should spend significant time getting to know the family members and especially the child at issue. The child’s welfare and well-being is the most important factor being considered. The results of the investigation have the potential to shape the child’s future and impact his or her life well into adulthood.
Every child deserves to have the best relationship possible with each of his or her parents. A custody evaluation may be necessary to determine what would be in the child’s best interest.
How long does an evaluation take?
Depending upon the allegations at issue an evaluation may take several months. The amount of time depends, in part, upon the number of personal and professional references who must be interviewed.
Who will be interviewed?
Personal references include spouses or partners, family members, friends, neighbors and employers.
Professional references include child care givers, teachers, school personnel, psychotherapist, doctors and other health care providers.
How often will we meet?
Each parent will be given several individual appointments to allow ample time to present and discuss all of the issues. Home visits will be scheduled as well as other opportunities to see each parent interact with the child.
Each child will be interviewed at least twice during the process; once with each parent bringing the child to separate interviews if appropriate.
Sometimes psychological testing is necessary and the parties may be referred to a separately contracted licensed professional well-trained in conducting psychological testing for custody evaluations.
How much does an evaluation cost and who pays?
On average you can anticipate forty to fifty hours of professional services. Psychological testing services are billed separately by the provider. Generally the parties split the cost of these services with the Court maintaining the authority to reallocate expenses based on each party’s ability to pay.
What results can be expected?
Custody evaluators submit a report to the Court that includes documentation of the evaluation process, historical background, results of psychological testing if applicable, clinical impressions of the parties, findings and subsequent recommendations for the Court’s review.
The recommendations may include processes to help people improve their parenting skills. It may also include treatment or therapy for special allegations of fitness so that the parties can become better parents. When appropriate, co-parenting therapy or some other process may be recommended to improve the parental communication.
Recommendations are also made for the child to receive additional support or services should it be determined that he or she could benefit.
Recommendations may address a time share schedule, holidays and vacations, extra-curricular activities and any other issues that are a source of conflict.
What if I am not satisfied with the outcome?
Each party has the legal right to challenge the recommendation by following the legal process outlined in his/her jurisdiction. Usually this includes reviewing all documentation and potentially having a hearing in front of the Court to call witnesses.
Please feel free contact me if you have other questions: patriciasanfilippo@verizon.net
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - a highly effective method of psychotherapy, which has helped millions of people of all ages suffering from a variety of psychological issues.
Dr. Francine Shapiro, a psychologist, discovered that eye movement can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, under certain conditions. Dr. Shapira studied this effect scientifically and in 1989 published her report in the Journal of Traumatic Stress. Since then, EMDR has developed and evolved through the contributions of therapists and researchers all over the world.
EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporate elements from many different treatment approaches.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. We know that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment can become "frozen in time." Remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells and feelings haven't changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people.
Following an EMDR session, a person no longer relieves the images, sounds and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You may still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Other types of therapy have similar goals, however, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing materials in a new and less distressing way.
Approximately 20 controlled studies have investigated the effects of EMDR. These studies have consistently found that EMDR effectively decreases/eleminates the symptoms of post traumatic stress for the majority of clients. Clients often report improvement in other associated symptoms such as anxiety. The current treatment guidelines of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies designate EMDR as an effective treatment for post traumatic stress.
EMDR is effective in treating a variety of conditions including, post traumatic stress, panic attacks, complicated grief, phobias, pain disorders, performance anxiety, stress reduction, sexual and physical abuse, addictions, and disturbing memories.
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CUSTODY EVALUATIONS
FAQ
Who should conduct an evaluation?
In California, child custody evaluators are licensed mental health professionals with specialized training. Beyond the original training, an annual update regarding legal issues, law and ethics and the latest research relating to domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse, divorce and its impact on children, custody and other related mental health issues.
When is an evaluation necessary?
Custody evaluations are recommended whenever there are allegations regarding a parent’s fitness or ability to make decisions in the best interests of the child. Psychological problems, substance abuse or addiction, as well as allegations of physical, emotional or sexual abuse of the child are issues that are thoroughly investigated in such a process. The relocation of a parent when there is a dispute as to where the child should live is another situation that can require an investigation. Evaluations can also address ongoing parental conflict over legal custody issues such as religion, education, extra curricular activities, time share of holidays and vacations.
Sometimes another process such as confidential or recommending mediation, the appointment of a parenting consultant or special master would be an appropriate alternative to having a child custody evaluation.
Child custody evaluations are a time consuming and evocative process for everyone involved. An evaluator should spend significant time getting to know the family members and especially the child at issue. The child’s welfare and well-being is the most important factor being considered. The results of the investigation have the potential to shape the child’s future and impact his or her life well into adulthood.
Every child deserves to have the best relationship possible with each of his or her parents. A custody evaluation may be necessary to determine what would be in the child’s best interest.
How long does an evaluation take?
Depending upon the allegations at issue an evaluation may take several months. The amount of time depends, in part, upon the number of personal and professional references who must be interviewed.
Who will be interviewed?
Personal references include spouses or partners, family members, friends, neighbors and employers.
Professional references include child care givers, teachers, school personnel, psychotherapist, doctors and other health care providers.
How often will we meet?
Each parent will be given several individual appointments to allow ample time to present and discuss all of the issues. Home visits will be scheduled as well as other opportunities to see each parent interact with the child.
Each child will be interviewed at least twice during the process; once with each parent bringing the child to separate interviews if appropriate.
Sometimes psychological testing is necessary and the parties may be referred to a separately contracted licensed professional well-trained in conducting psychological testing for custody evaluations.
How much does an evaluation cost and who pays?
On average you can anticipate forty to fifty hours of professional services. Psychological testing services are billed separately by the provider. Generally the parties split the cost of these services with the Court maintaining the authority to reallocate expenses based on each party’s ability to pay.
What results can be expected?
Custody evaluators submit a report to the Court that includes documentation of the evaluation process, historical background, results of psychological testing if applicable, clinical impressions of the parties, findings and subsequent recommendations for the Court’s review.
The recommendations may include processes to help people improve their parenting skills. It may also include treatment or therapy for special allegations of fitness so that the parties can become better parents. When appropriate, co-parenting therapy or some other process may be recommended to improve the parental communication.
Recommendations are also made for the child to receive additional support or services should it be determined that he or she could benefit.
Recommendations may address a time share schedule, holidays and vacations, extra-curricular activities and any other issues that are a source of conflict.
What if I am not satisfied with the outcome?
Each party has the legal right to challenge the recommendation by following the legal process outlined in his/her jurisdiction. Usually this includes reviewing all documentation and potentially having a hearing in front of the Court to call witnesses.
Please feel free contact me if you have other questions: patriciasanfilippo@verizon.net
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - a highly effective method of psychotherapy, which has helped millions of people of all ages suffering from a variety of psychological issues.
Dr. Francine Shapiro, a psychologist, discovered that eye movement can reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, under certain conditions. Dr. Shapira studied this effect scientifically and in 1989 published her report in the Journal of Traumatic Stress. Since then, EMDR has developed and evolved through the contributions of therapists and researchers all over the world.
EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporate elements from many different treatment approaches.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. We know that when a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment can become "frozen in time." Remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells and feelings haven't changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people.
Following an EMDR session, a person no longer relieves the images, sounds and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You may still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Other types of therapy have similar goals, however, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing materials in a new and less distressing way.
Approximately 20 controlled studies have investigated the effects of EMDR. These studies have consistently found that EMDR effectively decreases/eleminates the symptoms of post traumatic stress for the majority of clients. Clients often report improvement in other associated symptoms such as anxiety. The current treatment guidelines of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies designate EMDR as an effective treatment for post traumatic stress.
EMDR is effective in treating a variety of conditions including, post traumatic stress, panic attacks, complicated grief, phobias, pain disorders, performance anxiety, stress reduction, sexual and physical abuse, addictions, and disturbing memories.
--
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Court adjunctive or
alternative services regarding child custody and visitation issues emphasizing
blended families and families in conflict regarding separation and divorce.
Instructor for Santa
Barbara Educational Foundation teaching Children in the Middle.
Individual, couples,
family and group therapy, working on issues of domestic violence, anger
management, abusive relationships, grief, loss, depression, self-esteem, sexual
abuse, incest, rape, substance abuse, schizophrenia, and dual diagnoses,
balanced with recovery work to support the awareness and experience of the
positive aspects of clients lives.
Therapy with a wide
range of clients including people of varied cultural backgrounds, couples,
chronically mentally ill, women, veterans, adolescents and children
EDUCATION
1995: MA, Clinical Psychology, Antioch University, Santa Barbara, CA
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE
1999: Marriage Family Therapist, BBS, California MFC 36103
1995: EMDR Certification, Levels 1 and 2
INTERNSHIPS AND TRAINING
1997 - 2002: Family Custody Services, Mediation and Evaluation Internship,
Superior Court, County of Santa Barbara
1997 - 1998: St.
Vincent’s Residential Program for Adolescents, Treatment of adolescent women on
probation.
1996 - 1997: MISC,
County of Santa Barbara, Case Management and Community Resources for families
1994 - 1996: Sanctuary
Psychiatric Facilities, Treatment of chronically mentally ill and dual
diagnosis clients.
1994 - 1996: Anger
Management Counseling Services, Treatment of domestic violence issues for
individuals and couples.
SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
2006: Twelve-hour
Child Custody Update Training for California Court Rules 5.225 & 5.230, (4
hours of Domestic Violence Update) Matthew J. Sullivan, Ph.D., Psycho-legal
Associates
2006: Law & Ethics
Update; David Jensen, Esq., California Association of Marriage and Family
Therapists, 6 hours
2005: Twelve-hour
Child Custody Update Training for California Court Rules 5.225 & 5.230, (4
hours of Domestic Violence Update) Joan B. Kelly, Ph.D., Psycho-Legal
Associates
2004: Assessing and
Treating Reactive Attachment Disorder: Beyond Oppositional
Defiant Disorder, Cross Country University, 6 hours
2004: Borderline
Personality Disorder, A. Steven Frankel, Ph.D., J.D., Psycho-Legal Associates,
6 hours
2004: Aging and Long
Term Care, Max Fuhrmann, Ph.D., Psycho-Legal Associates, 6 hours
2004: Twelve-Hour
Child Custody Update Training for California Court Rules 5.225 & 5.230, (4
hours of Domestic Violence Update) Steven E. Doyne, PhD., Psycho-Legal
Associates
2004: Laws &
Ethics Update; A. Steven Frankel, Ph.D., J.D., Psycho-Legal Associates 6 hours
2003: Domestic
Violence Assessment & Treatment, Alyce LaViolete, M.S., Psycho-Legal
Associates, 7 hours
2003: Separating
Families and Child Custody Decisions: Infant Overnights, Moveaways and Other
Critical Issues, Joan B. Kelly, Ph.D. 6 hours
2003: Training for Child Custody Evaluators, Part II, Investigating
Sexual Abuse, Daniel Rybicki, PsyD. 20 hours
2002: Training for Child Custody Evaluators, Part I, Law and Ethics
Update, Daniel Rybicki, PsyD. 20 hours
2002: The Heart and Soul of Justice, Family Court Services Statewide
Education Institute, 11.5 hours
2002: Family Violence
and the Courts, Administrative Office of the Courts, 6 hours
2001: Personality
Disorders in Social Work and Health Care, Cross Country University, 7 hours
2001: Programs in
Bowen Theory – Northern California Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory –
14.5 hours
2001: Conducting Child Custody Evaluations: Domestic Violence Update,
Family Violence and Sexual Assault Institute, 7 hours
2000: Practical Applications
for Custody Evaluations: Domestic Violence Training, Family Violence
and Sexual Assault Institute, 12 hours
2000: Post Divorce Parenting, Update on Mental Health Disorders,
Overcoming Barriers to Objectivity, Family Court Services Southern Regional
Training Institute, 9.5 hours
1999: Family Law Update, Making Children’s needs a Priority, Center
for Families, Children and the Courts, 13 hours
1999: State Wide Office of Family Court Services – Issues Regarding
Child Molesters and Pedophiles, Understanding the Language of Children,
Neurobiology of the Child, 6.25 hours
1997: Judicial Council of California, Administrative Office of the
Courts training on issues related to mediation, custody evaluations and,
domestic violence
1996 – 1997: EMDR, Level 1 and 2 Training
1996 – 1998: Board of
Directors – Santa Barbara CAMFT
1988 – 1994: Board of
Directors – Women’s Economic Ventures
Member of CAMFT,
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
About Me
Location: Santa
Barbara, California, United States
I am a Marriage
and Family Therapist, licensed in the State of California, providing
psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families. In addition to providing
EMDR, I also provide adjunctive Family Court services such as confidential and
recommending mediation on visitation issues, child custody evaluations, Special
Master services, therapeutic supervision/parenting coach and reunification
therapy.
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