Assessment
What We Provide
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Written reports of parenting ability obtained from parent interviews, observations, use of nationally recognized assessment tools, collateral interviews, and record reviews
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Identification of formal and informal supports
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Referral information and recommendations for strategies and support services
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Information regarding current clinical and research evidence to ensure best practice
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Expert testimony and documentation required for court proceedings
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Post-assessment consultation and training services
SAGE Family Assessment Model
SAGE Adaptive Parenting Assessments
A SAGE Adaptive Parenting Assessment (SAPA) is a comprehensive competency-based parent evaluation specifically tailored to meet the needs of parents with cognitive, mental health, or other disabilities.
SAPAs provide an objective evaluation of parents' ability to adequately nurture, protect, and meet the needs of their children. The information gathered helps determine the support needed for parents to be successful.
SAGE Family Assessment Specialists work in partnership with parents, child and family services, attorneys, and other support providers to assess individual parenting needs while ensuring that parents' rights are respected and children's welfare is protected.
Our Model
The SAGE Family Assessment Model (SFAM) is a comprehensive theoretical model developed by Dr. Nicole Brisson. It is used for conceptualizing adequate parenting that draws on relevant literature and is anchored in findings supporting multiple models of parenting, assessment, and child outcomes.
The SFAM outlines the circumstances in which parents are expected to be most successful. According to the model, parents must (1) use adequate parenting skills, reduce stressors, and have support; (2) have self-awareness of their strengths and needs, use self-determination skills and self-regulation strategies; (3) foster development, consider family dynamics, implement positive discipline strategies; and (4) be afforded appropriate accommodations, allowed to pursue aspirations, and have others not hold false attributions that limit their ability succeed.
The SFAM is noteworthy in that it acknowledges the interdependencies that comprise parenting by considering internal and external factors within the following domains and subdomains: Safety (Stressors, Skills, Support); Awareness (Self-Awareness, Self-Determination, Self-Regulation); Growth (Development, Discipline, Dynamics); and Empowerment (Accommodations, Aspirations, Attributions). Together, these factors and parental attunement (i.e., a parent’s understanding of and ability to respond to their child’s individual needs) affect children’s outcomes in the areas of health, safety, and development, which are the overarching elements of the model.
Our Values
Safety
We believe that safety is paramount; and that respecting parents’ rights and protecting children’s welfare are necessary and compatible goals.
Growth
We acknowledge that everyone has the ability to learn and grow.
Awareness
We strive to be objective and aware of personal biases always.
Empowerment
All people with disabilities deserve equitable opportunities to parent, exert control over their lives, have support, and be valued members of their communities.