Psychological Clinic

Psychological evaluations usually consist of an interview and the administration of a number of psychological tests. The psychologist doing the evaluation will also review the court file and other documents as appropriate, will speak with individuals familiar with the person being evaluated and will consult with the caseworker or family counselor assigned to the case.

Evaluations are typically scheduled in half-day blocks of time and usually take four to five hours. If the child is detained at the Children's Village, the evaluation will be done there.

The findings of the psychological evaluation are presented in a written report, a copy of which goes to the judge or referee. The caseworker or caseworkers involved also receive a copy of the report.

In all cases, individuals who have been evaluated can request to meet with the clinician who conducted the evaluation to have the findings of the evaluation explained to them. The psychological reports are confidential documents and the information they contain is considered to be very sensitive.

Occasionally schools, treating therapists or other professionals request a copy of the evaluation done by our clinic to aid them in planning for the child or family. Upon receipt of an appropriate release of information, and approval by the judge, the clinic may send a copy of the report to the professional or agency designated on the release or otherwise respond as directed.

Sixth Judicial Circuit Court
Family Division Psychological Clinic
1200 N Telegraph Rd
Pontiac, Michigan 48341-0452

Location
Courthouse Bldg
East Wing, Second Floor

Phone/Receptionist: 248-858-0065
Fax: 248-858-1126
Psychclinic@oakgov.com

Chief Clinical Services
Melissa Sulfaro, Psy.D.
sulfarom@oakgov.com

The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, Family Division has had a psychological clinic for many years (it was originally part of Probate Court). The Clinical Services Unit, also known as the Psychological Clinic, performs Court-ordered evaluations on individuals and families who are involved with the Court regarding neglect and delinquency matters.

The main purpose of the evaluation is to provide the Court with information and to make recommendations regarding the person(s) evaluated. The report usually cover areas such as:

1. what is going on mentally and emotionally with the person(s) evaluated;
2. what are the special needs of the person(s), if any, which should be addressed; and
3. what would be an appropriate treatment/placement plan decision.

Clients are typically referred by Court caseworkers, Department of Human Services workers and/or hearing officers.

Children and/or adults involved in a particular case may be referred for an evaluation. The recommendation is made when the parties involved in the case observe behavior or receive information to suggest that the client may have one or more of the following difficulties:

• Academic problems
• Intellectual limitations
• Prior mental health history
• Deficit in parenting abilities, etc.

At the time the referral is made, parties to be evaluated should be sent to the clinic immediately so that relevant information can be updated and collected and so that appropriate releases of information can be promptly obtained and signed.

A psychological evaluation can take four to five hours per person, and sometimes longer, depending upon the case. Evaluations consist of:

1. an interview during which the clinician asks many questions about past history and current situation;
2. psychological tests which are administered by the clinician; and
3. paper and pencil questionnaires

As needed, there is an observation of parent-child interactions.

The evaluation will be assigned to a licensed psychologist. All staff employed either directly by the clinic or who are consultants with the clinic are licensed with the State of Michigan and have expertise preparing evaluations in a Court setting.

Typically, the report of the evaluation is sent to the judge or referee who ordered it. The reports constitute confidential information, and it is court policy not to release such documents to the person(s) evaluated (or their parents). The clinician, however, can give feedback on the results of the evaluation to individuals who request it

The cost of the evaluation will be assessed through the Reimbursement Division of the Oakland County Management and Budget Department as part of the overall court costs. The maximum fee is $400 per child and $500 per adult based on ability to pay or as ordered by the judge.

Occasionally schools, treating therapists or other professionals request a copy of the evaluation done by our clinic in order to aid them in planning for the child or family. Upon receipt of an appropriate release of information, the clinic will send a copy of the report to the professional or agency designated on the release or otherwise respond as directed.