ABSTRACT
At a cognitive level, contracting for assessment involves the psychologist and clients clarifying expectations and reaching an agreement to work together. The first task is to explain what assessment involves and to offer the parents, the child and each relevant member of the network a chance to accept or reject the opportunity to complete the assessment. For most parents, this will involve outlining the way in which the interviews and testing procedures will be conducted. The concept of a family interview with adjunctive individual interviews and testing sessions is unusual for many parents. Most parents need to be told about the time commitment required. An assessment will usually require between one and three sessions. It is important to highlight the voluntary nature of the assessment. It is also important to clarify the limits of confidentiality. Normally, the contents of sessions are confidential unless there is evidence that a family member is a serious threat to themselves or to others. For example, where there is evidence of suicidal intent or child abuse, confidentiality may be breached.
