THE ANSWERS!!
The methodology of Interactional
assessments was pioneered by C. Henry Kempe and colleagues in the 1970's as a means to
understand disturbed mother-infant relationships in cases of non-organic failure to
thrive. By the middle to late 1980's, Clare Haynes-Seman, Ph.D. a developmental
psychologist, and Joan Suziki-Hart, M.S.W., and other colleagues had continued to refine
the protocol for use in cases of suspected abuse and neglect involving children of all
ages.
Theoretically the assessment protocol is
grounded in attachment, child development, and family systems theories. The
development of family relationships and attachment styles as this affects the children
within the family is the focus of the protocol.
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The methodology is consistent from
evaluation to evaluation. The assessment begins with a reunion sequence which is
followed by a period of free play. The evaluator joins the family and begins the
interview of the parents with the children present. Questions elicit information
about the parents' recollection and perceptions of each child and development of the
relationships within the family. Parental philosophies, attitudes, and beliefs about
childrearing are systematically explored. The parents' are encouraged to share their
ideas about their involvement with social services and the purpose of the evaluation, and
any concerns they may have about their children. It's a comprehensive interview that
is carefully designed for one question to build upon another. Observation of the
parent-child interaction occurs throughout the process; parents are encouraged to take
care of the children regardless of the interview. A snack is provided about halfway
through the process. There is a theoretical construct underlying every component of
the assessment.
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The whole process is videotaped and takes
approximately two to three hours. The tape is analyzed and often transcribed, about
three to four hours of review for each hour of tape. It is about 20-25 hours by the
time the report is completed. It is most useful early in cases to get a handle on
what is going on in order to plan and coordinate treatment, although many times
interactions are used in termination cases, too. Coordination of information from the
Interactional with psychological evaluation can be very helpful if the psychologist can
interweave parenting styles and behaviors with psychological findings. Social
Services' records as well as any other records available are reviewed in context of
evaluation data.
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If you have further questions, or if you
are interested in utilizing our Psychological Evaluation Services, please contact our main office by phone 303-432-2298, FAX
303-432-2297, e-mail or by mail:7651 W. 41st,
Avenue, Ste.# 200, Wheat Ridge 80033
