Why a CFI?
The need for a Child and Family Investigator arises from situations in which divorcing or separating parents have beliefs about the best interests of their child/ren that seem irreconcilable. In these situations, parents have most likely been through very difficult experiences that have impacted their trust and respect for the other parent. The job of the CFI is to research fact and opinion using a variety of methods and to present neutral, honest, professional recommendations regarding parenting that are in the best interests of the child.
Parts of the Investigation
A typical child and family investigation may include any of the following components. The extent and scope of the investigation is determined by the order of the court.
Initial meeting: At this meeting the nature and extent of CFI services will be discussed; questions answered; and a contract for services completed.. A social and family history form, releases of information, disclosure and fee agreements must be completed before services begin. A standardized personality assessment may be given once services are authorized.
- Individual interviews: Meetings are held with each parent separately for 60 to 90 minutes. Multiple meetings may be scheduled by the parent or the investigator to satisfy the need for full communication.
- Couple interviews: One joint meeting of the parents will be held to discuss issues in common. A clear agenda will be established prior to the meeting.
- Child/ren interviews: Each child will be interviewed separately using age-appropriate techniques. Younger children may use family dolls or puppets, art materials or play a game while older children or teens may participate in a conversational interview.
- Home visits: Each parents home will be visited for 60-90 minutes. All members of the household must be present for a family meeting.
- Parent-child observation: Each parent will spend time with their child or children in the investigator's office participating in a play, learning or discussion task.
- Professional references: The investigator will conduct phone interviews with teachers, doctors, clergy, law enforcement, day care providers, and mental health professional who are involved with family members. Parents are required to provide releases of information for these professionals.
- Personal references: Each parent may nominate a maximum of 5 individuals who have relevant background knowledge to submit a written statement regarding attitudes and behaviors relevant to parenting. Phone interviews may be used to follow-up written statements.
- Written report: An integrated summary of the investigator's findings is provided to both parties and the court. The report contains observations, conclusions and recommendations for parenting time and decision-making. The recommendations are based on facts from the investigation, expert opinion and the legal standards of the case.
- Court testimony: (if needed) The contents and recommendation of the report are not binding but provide information for settlement or for the court to consider in its decision. The parties or the court may or may not require court testimony
