tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060003097513753942.post1014631359659111479..comments2024-02-24T16:30:33.798-08:00Comments on GPS: PARENTAL CAPACITY ASSESSMENTSRonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07353695791008715393noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8060003097513753942.post-28927061066482511982011-12-11T21:33:08.739-08:002011-12-11T21:33:08.739-08:00Removal of a child is an assumption that the highe...Removal of a child is an assumption that the highest level of risk has been exceeded.<br /><br />It should be worth noting that a comprehensive risk assessment (CRA) done by social workers are made obsolete when a parent is subjected to a PCA by a PhD psychologist. If the CRA and PCA is not in alignment, this is a good indication of bias on MCFD's part, since they are not governed by a code of ethics as are psychologists.<br /><br />Typically, the 'risk' aspect is addressed by the psychologist recommending counselling for the parent. By the time most assessments begin, such counselling has already started. This 'helps' the psychologist make the recommendation that such counselling continue for a specified period.<br /><br />In the Baynes case, this was the sequence that was followed. First, the "Project Parent" counselling was very quickly implemented after the trial decision was delivered, then the PCA commenced soon after. The counselling was, of course, a complete waste of time and taxpayer money, since MCFD wanted out, and had no intention of providing follow-up services after the children were returned. <br /><br />Project Parent counselling was like the parents getting together for tea with the counsellor and talking about the weather for once a week. Since trial was already completed, and MCFD typically uses such counselling to gather ammunition to be used against parents, these sessions were pointless and for show only.<br /><br />In Derek's case, no such counselling was or is to be recommended, hence, a PCA would have nothing to recommend to "reduce risk." Service recommendations by MCFD for Ayn only certaintly do not justify removal. MCFD, by leaving two children in Derek's care, his parenting capacity has already been assessed as acceptable.<br /><br />Having a PCA done at this time would gut MCFD's justification for retaining Ayn. This is why such an assessment would help speed Ayn's return AND provide justification for Derek's position that this young girl would be affected with short sporatic visits. This expert report may well condemn MCFD on this point, and mention also their renegged offer to return Ayn within a four-month period. MCFD would have no legal leg to stand on if such a report made this recommendation.<br /><br />MCFD can use a PCA as a formality in closing a case and withdrawing from proceedings if done after a protection hearing has concluded. The Baynes fall into this cateogory. They were not allowed to have a copy of their PCA or leave the MCFD office in order to review it at their leisure (not even their lawyer could have it.)<br /><br />Parents who know a removal is wrong and can prove it, benefit from a psychologist they can trust that can validate their position. Courts cannot ignore an expert report since these assessments carry so much weight.<br /><br />MCFD who try to force a PCA on parents with their pet psychologist usually have little evidence to convict a parent of abuse or neglect on a level that would see a CCO (continuing care order) succeed. In such cases, the process can be rigged by MCFD by allowing a fair psychologist to see only information MCFD provides. Tests can be weighted by having foster parents fill out reports. If teachers were part of the reporting / intake, they can also be enlisted to fill out assessments on the children in favour of the Ministry. MCFD can "suggest" to the psychologist a lengthy course of counselling if a return is seen as inevitable.<br /><br />In short, parents risk entering a minefield if MCFD is insisting on a PCA and they force a psychologist on them. Parents benefit if they initiate the PCA and pay someone they trust and has a proven track record of providing fair assessments.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com