Juvenile Dependency Evaluations
Juvenile dependency evaluations sit at the intersection of family court and forensic psychology, addressing whether and how a family involved with CPS can safely reunify. These evaluations carry significant weight for parents, children, and the county alike, and they call for the same rigor and objectivity as any forensic evaluation — applied to a family court setting.
What This Evaluation Addresses
A juvenile dependency evaluation focuses on the risk factors present in the family, the treatment needs of the parent (and, where relevant, the child), and the realistic prospects for successful reunification. The goal is to give the court a clear, well-supported picture of what's needed for a safe and lasting reunification, rather than a general assessment disconnected from that specific outcome.
Although dependency matters proceed in family court rather than criminal court, the underlying evaluation shares substantial overlap with forensic evaluation more broadly — a structured, records-based, hypothesis-driven approach to a legally defined question, supported by clinical interview and testing rather than relying on self-report alone. That forensic grounding is directly relevant here, even though the setting and stakes are different from a criminal case.
Who I Work With
I accept referrals from attorneys involved in dependency proceedings, as well as court appointments. I have conducted these evaluations for a local family court and bring that direct experience with how dependency matters are actually handled at the court level, not just the legal standard on paper.
The Evaluation Process
Each evaluation includes a thorough review of relevant records (CPS records, prior mental health and treatment history, prior court records, and any prior evaluations), a clinical interview with the parent (and child, where appropriate), psychological testing where appropriate, and a malingering assessment where indicated. Collateral interviews are conducted when they would meaningfully inform the opinion. These evaluations typically take 4 weeks to complete.
What You Receive
A thorough, well-organized written report addressing risk factors, treatment needs, and reunification prospects
Availability for pre-report consultation to clarify the referral question or case context
Testimony if the matter proceeds to a contested hearing
Rebuttal review of an opposing expert's evaluation, when appropriate
Why Attorneys Work With Me
I have conducted juvenile dependency evaluations for a local family court and bring a forensic evaluator's approach to family court matters — the same rigor and structured methodology I apply across my criminal and civil forensic work. Learn more about my background →
If you have a dependency matter where reunification is at issue, I'm glad to discuss the referral before you commit to a full evaluation — feel free to reach out to talk through the specifics.
Curious what other attorneys say about working with me? Read my Google reviews →