Michael discusses the sensitive nature of parenting assessments and the necessity of asking personal and intrusive questions. He reflects on the reactions of parents when faced with such questions, highlighting the importance of understanding one's upbringing, beliefs, and experiences in relation to parenting. Overall, the episode underscores the critical role of thorough assessments in determining suitable parenting options for children in need.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Asking personal questions during parenting assessments is necessary to understand a person's beliefs, values, and experiences.

• Family life is personal, and the court needs personal information to make decisions about a child's care.

• Some individuals may resist answering personal questions during assessments, indicating potential challenges in their ability to undergo a full parenting assessment.

• Lack of insight and unwillingness to share personal information can lead to negative outcomes in parenting assessments.

• Emotional readiness and willingness to discuss past experiences are crucial factors in determining suitability for parenting assessments.

BEST MOMENTS

"Many of the questions you have to ask when undertaking a parenting assessment are, in my view, personal and intrusive."

"People take for granted that they will love and take care of their child, but fail to see that the court does not know them at all."

"Isn't that a bit personal? But if the court are going to make decisions about where the child should be placed, don't you think they need to know all the relevant information?"

"I really think you're asking too much. It's too personal."

"His lack of insight and unwillingness to share further information provided me with the clarity I needed to reach the conclusion that the outcome of the assessment was negative."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

familycourtcoaching@gmail.com

Instagram: michael240656

HOST BIO

Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.