National Consultation & Evaluation
The purpose of the evaluation period is to obtain sufficient information about a participant and family to formulate a solid plan for recovery. While every evaluation will result in a written report, the most important facet of the evaluation period is that we are forming a relationship that will allow us to be helpful to this participant and family. In other words, the report is not the most important element of the evaluation period.
Here are some ways to describe the evaluation period:
- A way to get to know the participant and their family better so we can make the best plan of services possible.
- A time for the participant to get to know us and to determine if our services are a good fit for your needs.
- A time to step back and assess goals, and identify ways to achieve them.
When speaking with families about the evaluation period, it is important to reinforce these points. Families often come to us during times of stress and may not take in all the information we are giving them. Repetition of important points may be necessary. Also, it is important to find ways to give feedback from assessments as soon as possible, so that families don’t feel as if they are being processed in a laboratory and having to wait a month for results.