Child Family Investigations
Understanding Child Family Investigations (CFI)
Child Family Investigations (CFI) are court-ordered investigations performed by a licensed mental health professional or an attorney who is trained in child custody issues. The goal of a CFI is to gather information about a family to assist the court in making decisions that are in the best interest of the child. These investigations are usually ordered in high-conflict divorce or allocation of parental responsibility cases, where the parents cannot agree on custody matters.
During a CFI, the evaluator will interview the parents, the child, and may also interview other people who have relevant information about the child’s life, such as teachers, relatives, or healthcare providers. The evaluator may also observe interactions between the parents and the child to evaluate their relationship and ability to care for the child. The CFI may also involve psychological testing or other assessments to determine the child’s needs, such as medical or educational needs.
The CFI Process
The CFI process usually takes several months to complete, after which the evaluator prepares a report that addresses issues such as the child’s wellbeing, the parents’ parenting skills, and the child’s current living arrangements. The report is then submitted to the court, which will consider it along with other evidence in making custodial decisions that are in the best interests of the child.
The Colorado Department of Human Services regulates CFI’s in Colorado. The investigators they approve are required to have specialized training and education in areas such as domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, mental health issues, and child development. The CFI process is confidential, meaning that the information provided cannot be shared outside of the investigation. The aim of this confidentiality is to preserve the privacy of the families and protect the wellbeing of the children involved.
A Child Family Investigation is a tool that the court can use to help make informed decisions on custody matters. It is meant to be a thorough evaluation which provides an objective, third-party view of the child’s living conditions, parenting arrangements, and any other factors that could impact the child’s wellbeing. A CFI is often an essential component in achieving a resolution in cases with high-conflict custody disputes.
Family Systems Based Approach
Our family systems approach focuses on how different family members interact with each other and how their behavior affects the overall dynamics of the family unit. This approach recognizes that the emotional wellbeing of each individual is connected to the emotional wellbeing of everyone else in the family. It focuses on identifying patterns of interaction within families, improving communication, and developing positive changes in family relationships.
Josh Christian
Josh@therapywize.com
719-445-6096
Therapywize
10 Boulder Crescent St.
Suite 303
Colorado Springs, CO 80903