Bonding assessments

A careful, clinically grounded look at the attachment between a child and their caregiver.

A parent carrying a smiling toddler close

Overview

A bonding assessment examines the relationship itself: how a child seeks comfort from a caregiver, how the caregiver responds, and how securely connected they have become. These evaluations are often requested when courts or agencies need to understand a child's attachments before making decisions about placement, visitation, or reunification.

We observe and assess through a developmental lens — what attachment looks like at this child's age, what the child's behavior is communicating, and what the findings mean for the child's best interests. Our reports are clear, balanced, and always centered on the child.

Who this is for

Courts and guardians ad litem needing attachment clarity
Caseworkers weighing placement and visitation decisions
Foster and kinship caregivers navigating new attachments
Parents and children in reunification or custody processes

What to expect

A calm, child-friendly observation process — no forced separations or tests
Structured observation of child and caregiver together
Developmentally informed interpretation of attachment behaviors
A written report courts and caseworkers can actually use

Approaches we draw on

Attachment-based observation
Developmental assessment framework
Caregiver interview and history
Best-interests-focused reporting

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Not sure where to start?

You don't need to know which service fits — that's our job. Reach out, tell us a little about your family, and we'll point you in the right direction with care.

Request an appointment

We respond with care, usually within one business day.