Specializing in Children and their Families Helping Families Heal
Forensic Assessments and Expert Witness Testimony
Forensic mental health and family functioning assessments occur within and/or for the legal system. Dr. Woller and her Associates conduct forensic assessments for children and their families that are involved in Dependency or Family Court proceedings. These assessments not only answer the target question of the assessment but also provide comprehensive recommendations on follow up services and treatment.
They also provide consultation and expert witness testimony with recommendations. Dr. Woller and her Associates have provided expert witness testimony for both plaintiffs and respondents. They have testified for both State funded Agencies and private attorney's. Dr. Woller and her Associates specialize in the areas of child abuse/neglect, trauma, parenting, safety planning, bonding/attachment, infant mental health, reunification, parental alienation, custody, clinical social work, mental health pathology and mental health functioning.
Dr. Woller and her Associates have worked on several high profile dependency cases and high conflict divorces.
Bonding Assessments
A bonding assessment is a process or tool used to evaluate the strength and quality of the bond or attachment between individuals, often within the context of relationships or interpersonal connections. It aims to provide insights into the emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of the bond.
Bonding assessments can be useful in identifying attachment issues, assessing the impact of past trauma or neglect on relationships, and providing insights into the dynamics that may influence the overall well-being of individuals involved. The results of a bonding assessment can inform therapeutic interventions, interventions within the family system, or decisions related to placement or support services.
Dr. Woller and her Associates complete comprehensive bonding assessments for the following situations:
Bonding Assessment for the Assessment of the Parent/Child Relationship
Bonding Assessment for the Assessment of the Foster Parent/Child Relationship
Bonding Assessment w/ Parental Alienation Component
Bonding Assessments for Competing Adoption Applications
Dr. Woller and her Associates complete bonding assessments in accordance with FSS Chapter 39.
Parental Alienation Assessments
Parental alienation refers to a situation where one parent attempts to negatively influence or manipulate a child's perception of the other parent, leading to a strained or severed relationship between the child and the targeted parent.
A parental alienation assessment is a professional evaluation conducted to determine the presence and extent of parental alienation in a child custody or visitation dispute. The purpose of a parental alienation assessment is to gather information and evidence to determine the existence of alienation dynamics and their impact on the child's well-being.
The assessment often involves observing the child's interactions with each parent, assessing their emotional well-being, and evaluating the presence of any signs or symptoms of alienation. The professional may also consider factors such as the child's age, developmental stage, and any underlying psychological issues that could impact their vulnerability to alienation.
Based on their findings, the professional will provide a report summarizing their observations, conclusions, and recommendations. The report may include suggestions for intervention, such as therapy or counseling, to address the effects of parental alienation and promote a healthier parent-child relationship.
Parenting Assessments
A parenting assessment is a comprehensive assessment conducted by mental health professionals to evaluate the parenting abilities and skills of an individual. The purpose of a parenting evaluation is to provide the court or the involved parties with an objective and thorough understanding of each parent's strengths, weaknesses, and their overall ability to meet the needs of their children.
The clinician then prepares a detailed report that outlines their findings, and subsequent recommendations to help the parent enhance their parenting knowledge and skills.