Brief Focused Assessment (BFA)
A focused answer to a specific question
When the court needs a clear, objective read on one issue — not a full custody evaluation — a Brief Focused Assessment delivers it faster and at lower cost, without losing rigor.
Overview
What is a Brief Focused Assessment?
A BFA is a targeted evaluation that addresses a narrow, court-defined question — for example, whether a particular parenting-time arrangement is appropriate, or how a specific concern is affecting a child. It is narrower in scope, shorter in timeline, and more affordable than a full child-custody evaluation.
Our clinicians gather the relevant records, meet with the parties and child as needed, and produce a concise, objective report that speaks directly to the referral question.
Guided sessions
- Answers one narrowly defined question
- Shorter timeline — weeks, not months
- Lower cost than a full evaluation
- Concise, objective report for the court
Full custody evaluation
- Comprehensive review of all custody factors
- Extended timeline and multiple sessions
- Higher cost and broader scope
- Detailed report with full recommendations
The process
How a BFA works
Define the question
We confirm the focused referral question with the court or counsel.
Gather records
Relevant documents and case history are collected and reviewed.
Meet the parties
Clinicians meet with the parties and child as the question requires.
Deliver the report
A concise, objective written report is provided to the court.
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