Realizing that positive change can only result from within a positive environment, the National Institute for Change also provides Child and Family Investigation (CFI) services. 

Most parents love their children and do their best to care for them.  However, relational issues, discord, and conflict can often cloud parents’ decision-making and judgment – which then puts the child or children in harm’s way. 

The team’s independent investigator will assess the environment, collect information, prepare a report, and then make recommendations to the judge or magistrate about solutions that are in the best interests of each child. In addition to working within the legal system, we also make suggestions to the parents that will help to improving family communications and relations with the children.

 With the following experience, we can help present viable options and alternatives to the court:

§         Conflict resolution

§         Structural family development

§         Child protection/youth services

§         Adolescent and adult mental health

§         CFI methods

§         Mediation

§         Conflict resolution

§         Special interviewing/evaluation methods

§         Family dynamics

Our CFI will visit each parent’s respective home to observe the family dynamics. Typically he/she will:

§         Consult with other experts in the field

§         Consult with family

§         Consult with parents’ attorneys

§         Consult with references

Due to the nature of these cases, the traditional rules of confidentiality in psychotherapy do not apply.  This allows for the opportunity to fully evaluate and assess the whole situation and family dynamic.  As a CFI, most attorneys understand that  we act as an impartial entity, whose main concern is the well-being, safety and security of the child and/or children.

Our fee arrangements are fair and competitive, and we make every attempt to work within our clients' financial situations using a sliding fee scale. With two different fee structures, we also accept state pay cases, and provide pro bono CFI services on an occasional basis. 

Fee Schedule One (for combined income of $40,000 and below)

A retainer of $1,500 up front prior to the start of any investigation. This retainer will be drawn down as CFI charges accrue. In this fee structure, we charge $100/hr. This includes direct contact, telephone contact, time spent reviewing documents, e-mail correspondence, professional consultation, testing and scoring tests (when applicable), travel to and from court or other community setting, and court preparation and testimony.

Fee Schedule Two (for combined income of $41,000 and above)

A retainer of $2,000 up front prior to the start of any investigation. This retainer will be drawn down as CFI charges accrue. In this fee structure, we charge $125/hr. This includes direct contact, telephone contact, time spent reviewing documents, e-mail correspondence, professional consultation, testing and scoring tests, travel to and from court or other community setting, and court preparation and testimony.

Find out more about our Child and Family Investigations (CFI) by calling (303) 231-0090.  All conversations will be held in the strictest of confidence.