Substance Use Disorder Assessments (SUDA) for a Family Court matter require a high degree of skill and judgment on the part of the assessor, as well as a working knowledge of current SUD research; diagnostic criteria; valid and reliable screening and testing instruments; evidence-based harm reduction, and treatment interventions; social, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); family systems assessment and intervention; biological testing methods, protocols, and laboratory standards; and ongoing testing options for the presence of substances congruent with the findings and recommendations.
Advanced knowledge of and experience assessing defense mechanisms, in combination with in-depth experience using a multi-dimensional assessment process, is vital to ensure that accurate results are obtained. Recommendations must address the prognosis and each specific assessment result regarding the safety and security concerns identified, the person’s life situation regarding resources and support, shared parenting, and the ability to engage with effective resources that implement the recommendations.
Assessment results should provide a clear picture of an individual's current relationship with alcohol/other drugs and identify specific changes/interventions required to address the life areas that raised a concern about the person’s use of substances. A valid forensic SUDA assessment must include direct interview contact with the person with the most recent and direct experience with the identified client in the context of his or her substance use; as well as with other people/agencies and sources with first-hand, recent, and/or objective data, to include treatment records, hospitalization, and emergency room records if directly related to the assessment order concerns. Additional collateral interviews are at the evaluator's discretion based on available facts and history, and may include individual and/or couples therapists.
A medical physical with comprehensive labs is usually required, and must have occurred within three (3) months of the beginning of the assessment if it has already been completed. A Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) record is required, to be dated after the evaluator is in place. The two (2) most recent job performance evaluations are required when available. - employers are not contacted.
The forensic process utilizes a combination of DSM-V criteria, assessment instruments, collateral interviews, structured clinical interviews with the identified client, and third-party documentation, to include but not limited to police reports, Child Welfare Services letters and reports, and all documents filed with the Court as part of the current action. Biological testing is usually required by the evaluator. The method, time frames, and protocols are determined by the assessor and communicated to the identified client. Fees for biological testing are paid directly to the laboratory, separate from the assessment.
Fees
$2500 Forensic assessment; includes final report
$250/hr Expert consulation and strategy
$350/hr Appearances
Time schedule for completion is estimated at 6 - 8 weeks based on timely and complete provision of all documents for review; cooperation in scheduling appointments to include a medical physical and biological testing as needed. Contacts will occur via in-person, email, phone, and telehealth methods.
When both parties have attornies, all documentation must be provided directly by the legal representatives and properly noticed. When one party is representing him or herself, the other attorney must be properly noticed.
Susan Griffin (858) 225-7378 [leave detailed message]
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