Parenting Capacity Assessment

A Parenting Capacity Assessment (PCA) is a formal, evaluative assessment that examines a parent’s capacity to meet a child’s needs within relevant developmental, relational, and environmental contexts.

​

This assessment involves a higher level of scrutiny than descriptive assessments and is typically used where significant decisions regarding a child’s care, placement, or long-term arrangements are being considered.

​

What This Assessment Involves

A Parenting Capacity Assessment is comprehensive and may include:

• individual interviews with the parent(s) being assessed

• joint interviews where relevant

• structured observation of parent–child interactions

• review of collateral documentation (e.g. court material, Child Safety records, prior reports)

• collateral consultation with relevant professionals (where authorised)

Information is gathered, analysed, and reported in line with professional standards and within the scope of the referral question.

​

What This Assessment Is

A Parenting Capacity Assessment:

• is evaluative, not purely descriptive

• examines parenting strengths, limitations, and areas of concern

• considers the parents’ ability to meet the child’s developmental needs

• produces formal findings relevant to decision-making

This assessment carries greater authority and evidentiary weight than a Family Functioning Assessment.

​

What This Assessment Is Not

A Parenting Capacity Assessment:

• is not a therapeutic intervention

• is not advocacy for any party

• does not provide legal advice

• does not guarantee or predict outcomes

While findings may inform decisions, Strongly Kinnected does not determine legal or statutory outcomes.

​

When a Parenting Capacity Assessment Is Appropriate

A Parenting Capacity Assessment may be appropriate when:

• a court or statutory authority requires a formal evaluation of parenting capacity

• reunification, long-term placement, or contact arrangements are under consideration

• concerns exist regarding a parent’s ability to meet a child’s needs

• a descriptive assessment (such as an FFA) is insufficient

This assessment is not appropriate where the referral question can be answered through a less intrusive or descriptive process.

​

Important Distinction: PCA vs FFA

A Parenting Capacity Assessment differs from a Family Functioning Assessment in that it:

• evaluates individual parenting capacity

• involves deeper analysis and formal findings

• carries a higher risk and authority

• requires greater evidentiary rigour

Selecting the appropriate assessment type is critical. This is clarified during intake.

​

Reporting

The outcome of a Parenting Capacity Assessment is a detailed written report that:

• addresses the referral questions directly

• outlines assessment methods and sources

• presents evaluative findings

• identifies strengths and limitations relevant to parenting capacity

• is prepared for legal or statutory use

Reports are prepared independently and in accordance with professional, ethical, and legislative requirements.

​

Fees

Indicative fee range: $3,050 – $12,000

Fee considerations include:

• scope of referral questions and assessment complexity

• number of parents/caregivers and children involved

• extent of documentation review

• depth of analysis, reporting requirements, and timeframes

Final fees are confirmed following intake to ensure clarity regarding scope and expectations.

​

Engaging This Service

Before a Parenting Capacity Assessment commences:

• an intake discussion is required

• the referral purpose and authority are confirmed

• scope and methodology are clarified

• fees and timeframes are agreed in writing

Assessments do not commence without clear alignment between referral purpose and assessment scope.

​

Important Notice

Strongly Kinnected provides Parenting Capacity Assessments as independent, professional evaluations.

We do not advocate for parties, provide legal advice, or determine outcomes.
Our role is to provide assessment information to support informed decision-making.

​

Request an Intake Discussion

To discuss whether a Parenting Capacity Assessment is appropriate for your circumstances, please contact us to request an intake discussion.