Practice Note 7 and 8
Comprehensive custody assessments in Edmonton examining parenting capacity, parent-child relationships, and family dynamics to inform court decisions in complex divorce cases.
Overview for Referring Professionals
Kells Psychology offers these court-ordered assessments to provide clinical opinions and insights to lawyers and judges who are supporting families in complex divorce and custody situations. Practice Note 7 assessments can provide information about a child’s wishes regarding custody arrangements or provide information on the barriers interfering with effective co-parenting. In the case of a Practice Note 8 assessment, a clinical recommendation regarding custody and access can be made as parents, family dynamics, attachment, and child needs are comprehensively assessed.
We serve clients from Edmonton and area, including Leduc, Beaumont, and Sherwood Park. Most assessments are held in-person in South Edmonton, but may be available virtually across Alberta. Contact us to learn more.
Assessment Components:
- Clinical interviews with parents and children
- Observations of parent-child interactions
- Standardized psychometric measures with parents and children
- Collateral information gathering
- Review of relevant documentation
- Additional components as required
Key Areas Evaluated:
- Parenting skills and capacity
- Potential risk factors and protective factors
- Parent-child attachment and relationship quality
- Family dynamics and communication patterns
- Impact of parenting practices on the child
- Co-parenting effectiveness
Indications for Referral:
- High-conflict divorce or separation
- Child protection concerns
- Custody and access disputes
- Cases involving parental mental health or substance abuse issues
- Complex family dynamics affecting the child’s wellbeing
- Situations requiring expert opinion on parenting capacity
Psychologists Who Conduct This Assessment
- Janet Ryan-Newell, Registered Psychologist, M.Ed.
- Lauren Appleby, Registered Psychologist, M.A.
- Alyssa Ryan, Registered Psychologist, M.Sc.
All assessments are conducted or supervised by registered psychologists with specialized training in assessments at our Edmonton office or virtually.
Deliverables:
- Comprehensive written report
- Expert recommendations for intervention or support
- Optional court testimony (additional fees apply)
Referral Process
These assessments must be conducted under a court order.
Kells Psychology is committed to providing thorough, objective, and timely assessments to support your professional needs and the best interests of the families you serve.
For more information or to make a referral, please contact our office.
📧 Email: main@kellspsychology.ca
📞 Call Now: 780-430-4769