CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATIONS

Child custody evaluations are used to help the court make decisions about parenting arrangements when families are unable to reach agreement. The focus of the evaluation is on the needs and well-being of the child, and the process is designed to provide the court with objective, relevant information. Because this is a forensic service, it is not therapy, and information shared during the evaluation may be included in court proceedings.

Evaluations are conducted in accordance with the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) guidelines and applicable Texas family law standards. Kristen Persilver, MA, LPC handles each evaluation with a thorough and balanced process, maintaining a neutral and unbiased role while carefully gathering and considering information from all relevant sources.

The process can feel overwhelming at times, as it typically includes interviews, observations, and review of outside information. While it requires time and participation from everyone involved, the purpose is to support thoughtful, well-informed decisions that promote stability and serve the best interests of the child. Child custody evaluations are conducted under the supervision of Tammi Axelson, DSW, LMSW-IPR, and Cecilia Powers, LCSW-S.

Brief Focused Assessments (BFAs) are limited-scope evaluations that address specific questions identified by the court. Rather than completing a full custody evaluation, this approach allows for a more targeted review of a particular concern. Consistent with guidance from the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), BFAs are designed to provide timely, relevant information to support judicial decision-making.

Kristen Persilver, MA, LPC approaches each assessment with thoughtful attention to detail, ensuring the process remains thorough, balanced, and focused on the specific issue at hand. These assessments may include interviews, observations, and review of available records. By narrowing the scope, BFAs help the court move forward more efficiently while minimizing the overall burden on families.