Assessment for treatment

PLEASE NOTE:

The Family Separation Clinic does not, typically, carry out Part 25 assessments.

Please be aware that the Family Separation Clinic is only able to offer therapeutic interventions in particular and limited circumstances.

The Clinic will, in almost all cases, not carry out any therapeutic work without first undertaking an assessment of suitability for therapeutic treatment. We are only able to consider carrying out an assessment of suitability for therapeutic treatment if the case is:

• in the High Court, and
• there are judicial findings that the child is being unduly influenced and/or is (or is at risk of) being emotionally harmed by a parent.
  

We then require a court order, instructing the Clinic to carry out such an assessment. Assessments typically take place over a number of months.

We are unable to take instruction from litigants in person.

Please also be aware that the Family Separation Clinic uses a psychotherapeutic model of assessment and does not carry out psychological assessments.

A child’s vehement rejection of a parent after divorce or separation can present the court with significant challenges. Our assessment for treatment is designed to offer the court unparalleled clarity in uncovering the underlying dynamics that are causing the child's rejection and delivers proposals for treatment that respond to the unique and individual needs of the child. Treatments are only delivered under the order and scrutiny of the court.

Whilst psychological reports are able to offer the court a view on the psychological functioning of the parents and a ‘snapshot’ of the problem, our assessment for treatment provides the environment for a depth analysis of the family dynamics, how the child has entered into the rejecting position and how each parent responds to therapeutic input. Through this, we are able to offer the court a comprehensive opinion on the causes of the child’s rejection and detailed proposals for treatment.

The Clinic uses a differential approach to understanding the problem of a child’s rejection of a parent. We are also able to deliver therapeutic treatment under court instruction.

Occasionally, we may carry out an initial paper-based assessment as a precursor to a full assessment. Additionally, we may consider carrying out an abbreviated assessment where we consider that the clinical conditions are suitable.

All treatment recommendations are planned and presented as part of the assessment process. The cost of any recommended treatment route is provided to the court after the assessment has been completed. Exceptional costs associated with either assessment or treatment are agreed in advance.

It should be noted that our rates exceed LAA legal aid hourly rates and we are, therefore, unable to carry out work fully funded by legal aid.