Assessing Parenting Capacity Assessments in Child Welfare

Presented by the CBA Alberta Child & Youth Law (South) Section

On Demand. Originally presented on Sep. 1, 2026.

Join Dr. Peter Choate and the Honorable Justice Todd Larochelle for an engaging discussion on Parenting Capacity Assessments from both the clinical and judicial perspectives. This presentation will explore the purpose, scope, strengths, and limitations of parenting assessments, as well as practical considerations for counsel, assessors, and decision-makers.

Topics will include the role of parenting assessments in family and child protection proceedings, common methodological and ethical considerations, the assessment of parenting capacity and child needs, cultural and contextual factors, the use of collateral information, and the circumstances in which courts, evaluate and rely on assessment evidence.

This session will provide participants with a practical understanding of when parenting assessments may be helpful, how they are conducted, and the challenges that can arise in their preparation and use in litigation.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on the evolving role of parenting capacity assessments and their role in court proceedings affecting children and families.

PRESENTERS

Peter W. Choate, MSW, PhD, RCSW, LLM (Clinical Social Worker Professor, Social Work Mount Royal University) 
The Honourable Justice T. LaRochelle (Alberta Court of Justice)

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