At Impact Family Christian Counseling, we recognize that legal proceedings are often a season of profound uncertainty. When a court mandates an evaluation, it is seeking objective, professional insight to ensure justice and the well-being of all parties involved. Our role is to provide a thorough, faith-informed assessment that maintains the highest level of professional and spiritual integrity.

1. Why Courts Require Evaluations

Courts typically order mental health or behavioral evaluations to resolve complex questions that require specialized clinical expertise. Common objectives include:

• Determining Best Interests: Assessing parental fitness and the psychological needs of children in family law cases.

• Risk Mitigation: Evaluating potential for harm, substance abuse patterns, or the need for specific rehabilitation.

• Treatment Planning: Providing the judge with actionable recommendations for counseling, support services, or medical intervention.

2. What the Court Expects

The judicial system relies on counselors to act as objective "fact-finders" rather than personal advocates. The court expects:

• Neutrality: A report based on clinical data and interviews rather than personal bias.

• Clinical Accuracy: Use of professional frameworks (such as the DSM-5) to identify behavioral patterns.

• Integration: A synthesis of personal history, current mental state, and collateral information.

Our Process and Policy

To ensure we meet these expectations while honoring our mission, we adhere to the following strict procedural policies:

Mandatory Documentation Review

Before an evaluation begins, we require a full review of all relevant court documentation. This includes the court order, prior judgments, and any legal briefs detailing the questions the court wants addressed.

Note: We cannot schedule or accommodate an evaluation until these documents are received. This ensures our assessment is tailored to the court's exact requirements.

Evaluation Structure

To provide a truly comprehensive assessment, our standard evaluation process typically consists of a minimum of five (5) separate evaluation sessions, depending on the complexity of the case.

• Initial Intake: Review of legal mandates and personal history.

• Clinical Interviews: In-depth sessions focused on the specific psychological or behavioral concerns.

• Observation/Testing: (two to four sessions) Standardized tools to provide objective data points.

• Final Synthesis: Preparation of the formal written report for the court.

Biblical Precedent and Integrity

Our approach to evaluations is governed by the "Just Weights" principle found in Proverbs 11:1: "The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him."

The Necessity of Integrity

In the Bible, counselors like Joseph and Daniel were elevated because they spoke the truth with wisdom and excellence, even when the truth was difficult (Daniel 6:4). We view our reports as "honest witness" testimony.

• Proverbs 14:5: "An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies."

• Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men."

Our commitment is to provide a report that is "approved by God" (2 Timothy 2:15). We do not "tilt the scales" for any party; instead, we seek to bring the light of truth to the situation so that true healing and biblical justice can prevail.