At the heart of a child custody consultancy service – also known as a family, family law or parenting consultancy service – should be the goal to protect the best interest of children. Service providers should also empower parents to step up to a higher level of parenting through the use of action plans, educational classes, support systems, and more.
How Consultants Support Parents and Children
During situations like divorce, CPS investigations, or custody battles, parents often feel overwhelmed and confused. Consultants provide guidance, practical assistance, and emotional support.
Most parents lack critical knowledge of the court or child welfare systems. Limited finances add to the challenge of knowing when to seek legal help. Consultants bridge this gap by offering information and strategies that empower parents to protect themselves and act in their children’s best interests.
Consultants assist with CPS cases, child support issues, enforcing custody orders, domestic violence, grandparents’ rights, and divorce. They connect parents with qualified legal and social service experts at affordable fees, easing financial strain and preparing a strong case. This collaboration leads to better decision-making and outcomes.
What Child Custody Consultants Do
Improving intervention and accountability is key to parents’ success in following a clear plan of action and achieving established goals. As a result, parents are empowered to manage frustrations during the child custody process and improve outcomes for children and their families.
Your family consultant or parenting consultant should maintain constant communication when evaluating and assessing family dynamics and key family support relationships. In instances of CPS cases, checks and balances improve family outcomes for children by contributing valuable information to investigators, attorneys and case workers.
With the children’s interest always at the forefront, your consultant can assist throughout the child custody process. He or she prepares and builds the case and helps parents clearly understand the court’s expectations of child placement and family reunification.
Attorney and Client Relations
Your custody consultant will communicate with the attorney and the client so as to reduce the amount of calls and correspondence on the attorney and to ensure clear communications between the parties. Consultants help to keep the lines of communication open by answering basic questions and referring parents into support groups to help reduce the stress involved while going through a child custody case.
Public Notary
Consultants usually offer notary services to help expedite your case and be well prepared for your attorney or CPS case
Home Study Preparation
Child custody consultants can help make sure you are well prepared to interview with your home study professional as well as making sure your home is ready to go through the interview process.
The study will look at parenting methods, existing family relationships, educational opportunities available to the child, health and other elements necessary to determine the recommendations to the court.
Background Checks
Background checks are utilized for various reasons in divorce and child custody cases. A consultant can utilize the backgrounds to find people, check assets, previous addresses, and vehicle information while obtaining the criminal history throughout the U.S.
Case Management for Families
A consultant uses a structured case management approach, starting with a thorough evaluation during the initial intake to identify immediate client needs. This assessment helps create an action plan to guide parents toward a more stable and organised lifestyle. Common lifestyle areas that may be addressed include:
- Education and Training
- Drug and Alcohol Programs
- Counseling Services
- Employment and Resume Building
- Utility Assistance
- Housing and Furniture Support
- Basic Toiletry Needs
- Clothing and Shoes
- Baby Essentials (e.g., diapers, baby food, and clothing)
Community Referrals and Support Services
Consultants provide referrals to connect families with community resources, including non-profits and churches, to access additional services. Available referrals may include:
- Domestic Violence and Anger Management Classes
- New Life and Support Groups
- Child Protective Services (CPS) Guidance
- Prayer and Bible Study Sessions
- Legal Assistance
- Teen and Fathers Support Groups
- Addictive Behavior Support
- Enhancement and Co-Parenting Classes
- Faith-Based Parenting Programs