Currently a psychologist treating children and adults in Vancouver, British Columbia, Dr. Michael Elterman has also served as a Consulting Psychologist to a number of governmental organizations, specializing in family law and custody cases, as well as assessing parental capacity.
Generally, a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker with an expertise in parenting evaluates parenting capacity. Judges utilize these assessments in child protection and custody cases, as testimony to determine whether one or both parents are qualified to safely raise the children. If the court finds the parents incapable of parenting, the assessment might suggest interventions that could assist the parents to gain relevant skills or might alternately recommend terminating parental rights.
Assessing parenting capacity is a critical duty, as the results of these reports can result in very serious ramifications for the children, parents, and families involved. Judges consider separating families very carefully and require a highly qualified, neutral observer’s opinion to justify the step.
In addition to giving an opinion, assessors identify the qualifications against which they judge each family or parent, making clear the qualifications to remain in a parenting role. Assessors strive to represent a parent’s capacity at the moment, as well as the long-term potential of a given situation.
Assessments generally consist of interviews with each parent and child, as well as a visit to the home of each parent and a number of interviews with other people who are significant in the children’s lives, including teachers, babysitters, therapists, doctors, and other key figures. Assessors also review materials pertinent to the case and conduct a number of psychological tests.
Although most interactions with psychologists are confidential, in the case of a parenting capacity assessment, these rights are waived. The assessor’s findings become part of the court case and will not be held in confidence in the court.
Dr. Michael Elterman 