Psychological assessments for the court

Our team of highly experienced child psychologists provide assessments, reports and interventions for the Court relating to child care proceedings, placement needs, cognitive assessments and specialist training. This includes acting as an expert witness to the Courts as required.

Expert witness assessments

Our team of clinical psychologists are highly experienced in providing psychological assessments and statements for the court. Our interest is in looked after and adopted children, and we have particular expertise in developmental trauma and attachment difficulties.

In addition to psychological assessments and statements, our team have delivered oral evidence to the court in relation to expert witness statements.

Expert witness services available:

  • Assessment of children and adolescents in Care Proceedings
  • Child and adolescent mental health assessments
  • ‘Together or apart’ assessments of siblings
  • Cognitive assessments of children and adolescents
  • Assessment of placement needs
  • Carer requirements assessments
  • Therapeutic intervention for children and adolescents
  • Specialist training for carers and parents (e.g. Therapeutic Reparenting)
  • To solicitors, social workers pre-proceedings or during court proceedings as appropriate.
  • To foster carers, residential carers, social workers, the network of professionals at any stage pre or post court proceedings.

Please note that we are not able to work to Legal Aid rates. Please contact us for our most up-to-date fees and availability for your specific situation.

Our assessments are thorough, thoughtfully planned and child-friendly. Depending upon the nature of the Instruction, an assessment might include:

  • Interview with the child and key adults
  • Play-based assessment
  • Observation in various settings, including school and contact sessions
  • Psychometric assessment, including cognitive assessment, as appropriate
  • Liaison with relevant professionals

Assessments are always carried out by, or under the direct supervision of a fully qualified clinical psychologist. Our reports are clear and comprehensive. We expect that our reports should provide the Courts and relevant professionals with crucial psychological information to guide important decision-making processes.

Our clinical team are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the British Psychological Society (BPS). We are professionally insured and hold current DBS certificates.