The PC role: models of service delivery

Matthew J. Sullivan, Ph.D.californiaparentcoordinator.com

PC SurveyKirkland and Sullivan (submitted to FCR)

54 PC’s, 20 Questions44% psychologists19% MSW15% Master’s level counselors11% Bachelor’s level counselors11% attorneys

PC Survey

18 years total practice experience8 years practicing as PCPercent of practice

5-70%40% on average

PC Survey

Fees$20-400, $200 average90% retainer, 20 hours typical

Term2-3 years to open ended

92% Use of collateral sourcesComplaints

11% formal complaints, 1 civil suit, none sustained

Essential elements of PC servicesEvaluative/Assessment

– Methods of assessment– Appointment comes with CE– Formal methods, impasse model

Communication Protocols and Procedures

Communications protocols and procedures

– Clients: Access to the process, communication with coparent, communication with others

– PC: contact with parents; children; professionals - attorneys, therapists (parents,children), others - significant others, coaches, teachers

Access to information– Previous (health, MH) - parents and

children– Current– Substance abuse, medication– Collaborative teams of professionals

confidentiality

Facilitation of agreements– Is it mediation? Methods of generating

agreements (dispute resolution in the PC process)

– Working with parenting plan - structure, defaults, eliminating gray areas

Arbitration/decision-making– Shifting to decision-making - demarcation– Rules of Arbitration– Scope, expertise, evaluation, use of 3rd

parties

DocumentationWithin the process, in relation to the court

Confidentiality, use in courtWriting orders/recommendations/agreementsWriting reports

Case Management– Monitoring and enforcement of parenting

plan– Professional teams - referrals,

coordination of interventions– Terms, fees

Review of work (decisions and conduct)– Procedures for objections– Relationship of PC process to the court

None, de novo, subordinate judicial process that is appealed with a standard of review

Grievances - proceduresMultiple review bodies for professional conduct

– Courts, professional licensing board, professional organization (APA, ABA), civil lawsuit