FCAP

Family Court Assistance Program

For years, we have heard about the needs of the family court for the underserved litigants. Those who are unable to afford needed mental health services are left with few options. At the same time, a few of us supervise graduate level students seeking experience in the family court. About two years ago, an informal program was created to serve the needs of the family court and the students.

Essentially, we ask that each student accepts up to two treatment cases at a time. The students are court appointed as Therapeutic Interventionists with the supervisor co-appointed to supervise the student. Historically, students acted just as any other mental health appointee, even testifying in Court when needed. 

We ask that the following guidelines be followed as part of this program:

  1. Scope of appointment: Students’ appointments are limited to treatment, but not reunification. Appointments might include work with children of divorce, co-parenting issues or general individual counseling (e.g. depression issues).
     
  2. Representation: Given these are pro bono situations; we ask that neither litigant be represented.
     
  3. Timeframe: The appointment terms should conclude by May, 2009 if at all possible. The students do have the ability to refer any continuing cases to future students, but it is easier when possible to conclude treatment prior to the students’ completion of the practicum experience.
     
  4. Sample orders: Sample appointment orders are available:
      

We also have biographies for each of the students to assist in determining who might be the most appropriate for your chosen role: Student Biographies Page

Given the popularity of this program in the past, you are asked to contact Forensic Counseling and Evaluations at 480 840-0400 when considering an appointment to determine student availability. An updated list will be available with the receptionist. FC&E will be responsible for keeping track of active appointments. Otherwise, communications about any particular case should be with the student and his/her supervisor.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 480 840-0400 or dw@fceino.com.

You are also encouraged to contact the individual supervisors with questions:

Dr. Kim Carroll: kc@fceinfo.com
Dr. Marcus Earle: me@pcsearle.com
Dr. Steven Gray: pcsgray@cox.net
Dr. Felix Salomon: felixsalomon-phd@worldnet.att.net
Dr. Paulette Selmi: docselmi@gmail.com
 

All records are currently stored at FC&E. If clients ever have a question as to how to obtain their records, to obtain records, please call 480 840-0400.

© 2008 FORENSIC COUNSELING AND EVALUATIONS, P.L.L.C  All Rights Reserved