Tips for Assessment Interviews
The Custody Minefield Factsheets –
Smartphone Series (optimised for smartphone users). Copyright Michael Robinson
2010, 2011.
When
being assessed, regardless of the agency carrying out the evaluation, it is
worth considering what you want the assessment to achieve. Your objective should
be to provide the assessor with information that assists the Court in making an
informed and fair judgment.
It
is normal to feel nervous about being evaluated and to be stressed about the
Court case, as well as any allegations made, and to be confused about the
reasons behind the allegations if they're untrue.
Below
are some things to consider before your evaluation.
Do speak calmly and clearly.
Do show willingness to partake in the evaluation.
Do agree to sign any releases or waivers to allow the evaluator
any information they need such as a copy of your medical records.
Do tell the truth.
Do tell the evaluator of any concerns you have with regard
to your child, but also make clear that you want your ex-partner to be fully
involved in your child's life and that you understand how important they are in
your child's life.
Do state that you want only what is right for your child.
Do ensure you cover all the points in the evaluation that
you feel are necessary. For your own benefit, write these down, prior to the
evaluation, and read it before the meeting.
Don't criticise
your ex-partner as a person. If there are things they do which concern you,
explain those actions and behaviours.
Don't say
you wish to stop your ex-partner from seeing your child. This will be harmful
to your child. Risks can be addressed in other ways, and the evaluator will
wish to make their own recommendations.
Don't make false allegations.
Don't exaggerate.
Don't lose
your cool, become angry, or appear unreasonably emotional.
Don't argue
or be sarcastic with the evaluator.
Don't tell the evaluator what to do, or try to
lead the sessions.
Understand
that where allegations are made, they need to be investigated. This may include
psychologists, Social Services, or
CAFCASS
wishing to talk to your doctor, your children's school, a
health visitor, child minder, or
any other professional involved with either yourself or your children.
Are there any tips
specifically relating to psychological assessments? - <Return to Top>
If
you are taking part in a psychological assessment and are asked to complete a
personality inventory:
·
read the instructions and
questions carefully
·
ensure you're filling
in the correct columns
·
be
honest in your answers.
These
tests are cleverly constructed and have measures to help the psychologist
identify if the person taking the test is trying to cheat or lie.
Support - <Return
to Top>
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