Will I need to be interviewed?
Yes.
Will anyone else be needed to be interviewed?
Probably. Generally, I will need to speak to other people who can tell me about your experiences and problems, from their perspectives. This may include your partner(s), family members, friends or work colleagues.
Do I have a say in who you speak to?
Yes. I can only speak to people you give me permission to speak to. If there is someone else I want to speak to, I will ask your permission.
Will I know what other people say about me?
The things others say will be used to help me understand the issues you are facing. They will be used in my report, which you will have access to, but outside of what I write in the report I will not disclose what other people say.
Can the report be changed if I don’t like the opinions provided?
Generally no. If there is more information that I was not aware of I may reconsider my opinions, but this is rare. Because the reports are written for a court or tribunal, I must provide an honest opinion in my reports and cannot change them on request.
If I don’t like the report do I have to use it?
If you or your lawyer have asked for the assessment and report to be completed independently, then you ay choose to release or hold the report as you see fit, but it cannot be altered.
If the report was requested by a court or tribunal, then a copy will be sent directly to them.