Rising Phoenix
Wellness Center, LLC
Centered on the child. Grounded in family systems.
Child Focused Family Assessment Services
Our child-focused family assessment services place the child’s safety, well-being, and developmental needs at the center of the process. While adult conflicts are considered, the focus remains on understanding how those dynamics impact the child’s experiences, emotions, and overall stability. Each assessment is conducted through a trauma-informed lens that prioritizes protection from harm, promotes resilience, and highlights supports that foster long-term well-being. Grounded in a systems perspective, we work collaboratively with families to identify solutions and create practical, individualized plans that meet the unique needs of both the child and the family. Our role is not to judge either parent but to support the child’s best interests and help families move forward with greater understanding, stability, and success.
Our Process
We accept the Case
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Court Appointment: We are appointed by the court to conduct the assessment.
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HHS Request: We are contacted by HHS to do an assessment
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Other: Attorney referal, or contact from client
Home Visits
RPWC visits each parent’s home with the child present to observe family interactions
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*If required
Mediation & Recommendations:
RPWC provides trauma-informed recommendations and participates in mediation to promote resolution.
Intake & Setup
Families complete intake paperwork and create a Simple Practice portal account.
Child(ren) Meetings
Child(ren) meet with us in person to share their experiences in a supportive, age-appropriate setting.
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*If required
Final Report
A comprehensive, child-centered report is completed for the court if necessary.
Parent Interviews
Each parent participates in individual interviews to share their story and family background.
Document Review
Relevant reports, communications, and records are reviewed to understand family history and patterns.
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*We do not review any documents until we have met the child
For more information about our assessment process, please look at the CFFA infograph
Types of Child-Focused Family Assessments We Provide
Child and Family Reporter
(CFR)
​A Child and Family Reporter (CFR) provides the court with an objective and trauma-informed investigation into the child’s environment, relationships, and family dynamics. The CFR process focuses on understanding the child’s lived experiences within their family system, ensuring their voice is heard and represented in a developmentally appropriate manner. Using a child-centered and systems approach, the CFR report helps the court make decisions that prioritize safety, stability, and the child’s overall well-being. This is a formal court-appointed role defined under Iowa Code §598.12B and requires a court order of appointment.
Our Custody Consultation services provide expert, trauma-informed guidance for families, attorneys, and courts navigating complex custody situations. Drawing on social work principles and a systems perspective, we offer consultation on family dynamics, attachment, and co-parenting concerns. These sessions help identify child-focused solutions, reduce conflict, and promote collaborative strategies that support each child’s emotional and relational well-being.
Custody Consultation
Custody Evaluation
Custody Evaluations are comprehensive assessments that explore the family system as a whole — including parental capacities, co-parenting relationships, and the child’s unique developmental and emotional needs. Each evaluation is conducted through a trauma-informed and child-centered lens, focusing on safety, stability, and long-term resilience. Recommendations are designed to assist the court in determining arrangements that best support the child’s ongoing well-being. Custody Evaluations are formal, court-appointed assessments as outlined in Iowa Code §598.12B.
Parenting Assessments evaluate a parent’s capacity to meet their child’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs within the context of their family system. Using a trauma-informed and strengths-based framework, these assessments examine the effects of stress, conflict, and attachment patterns on the parent-child relationship. The goal is to highlight both protective factors and areas for growth to help strengthen parenting practices and ensure safe, nurturing, and consistent care.
Parenting Assessments
(Bio)Psychosocial Assessment
Psychosocial (or a biopsychosocial) Assessments provide a holistic understanding of individual and family functioning. Each assessment explores psychological, environmental, and relational factors that impact well-being, identifying both strengths and challenges. Through a trauma-informed and systems-oriented approach, we examine how family history, stress, and support networks shape behavior and resilience. These assessments are often used to guide treatment recommendations, service planning, or court-related decisions.
