6 WAYS TO BEGIN
Assessments & evaluations
A clearer understanding of needs, strengths, and appropriate next steps. The referral question guides the evaluation.
Assessment
A starting point when you know something needs attention but are unsure what kind of help would fit. We explore your concerns, history, strengths, and current needs, including mental health and substance use where relevant. The assessment brings that information together in a written summary and recommendations to help you and your care team choose useful next steps.
What to expect
A clinical interview, a review of relevant records and collateral information when authorized, and an individualized discussion of recommendations.
Child Welfare Global Assessment
A broader assessment for people involved with child welfare services. It considers how mental health, substance use, family violence, trauma, and parenting concerns may affect a child and family. Alongside areas of concern, it looks at strengths and protective capacities. The aim is to identify appropriate services and develop recommendations that support child safety and the family's needs.
What to expect
A review of the referral, interviews and relevant information, selected assessment tools where appropriate, and a written report for authorized members of the care team.
Interactional Assessment
An opportunity to understand the relationship between a child and a parent or potential guardian through observation and relevant background information. The assessment explores communication, attachment, empathy, protective capacities, and parenting strengths, along with areas where support could help. Recommendations focus on the relationship and the family's treatment needs. This assessment does not determine whether someone is fit to parent.
What to expect
At least two sessions under the supplied county service definition, with observation and assessment methods selected for the family's circumstances.
Sex offense-specific evaluation: juvenile non-criminal
A specialized evaluation for a young person when concerns about sexual behavior have been substantiated and there are no criminal sexual-offense charges. It considers development, functioning, family supports, strengths, risks, and treatment needs. The resulting recommendations help the referring team consider appropriate support, safety planning, and supervision. Referral circumstances and the evaluator's qualifications must be reviewed before this service is scheduled.
What to expect
A developmentally appropriate evaluation using interviews, relevant records, collateral information, and methods selected by a qualified juvenile evaluator.
Sex offense-specific evaluation: juvenile criminal charges
A specialized evaluation for a young person facing a criminal sexual-offense charge. It brings together developmental and clinical information, relevant justice or child-welfare records, collateral sources, and appropriate assessment methods. The report addresses strengths, risks, treatment needs, and recommendations for the referring team. It supports professional and legal decision-making without determining guilt or promising a particular court outcome.
What to expect
A referral review and evaluation by an appropriately approved juvenile evaluator, with clear information about the process, consent, and who may receive the report.
Domestic Violence Offender Evaluation
An in-depth evaluation of domestic violence concerns, relevant history, treatment needs, and safety risks. The process can include a structured interview, assessment instruments, criminal-history information, and appropriate collateral sources. The legal status of the referral affects the standards that apply. The report offers individualized recommendations; it does not determine guilt, guarantee safety, or decide a legal case.
What to expect
Referral and qualification review, a comprehensive evaluation by an appropriately approved evaluator, and a written report shared only through an authorized process.
