Social Investigation (Custody Evaluation)
The child custody evaluation aims to determine the best interests of the child, emphasizing that the child’s welfare is the foremost consideration. It examines parenting skills, the children’s needs, and how well these align.
My objective is to frame the evaluation findings within relevant theories and incorporate scientific data to aid the court in understanding what serves the child’s best interests. I work to inform the court on matters of cultural sensitivity, child development, best practices, and advancements in the theoretical understanding of human behavior concerning families and parenting.
“Parent-child fit” signifies the connection between a parent’s traits, strengths, and weaknesses, and a child’s developmental, emotional, physical, and psychological requirements. I evaluate these needs by observing the children, analyzing parent-child interactions, conducting developmentally appropriate interviews, reviewing records, and performing collateral interviews. I conduct social investigation primarily in Florida’s 17th and 15th districts.
Member of AFCC – Association of Family & Conciliation Courts – Florida Chapter.
Languages
Services offered in English, Spanish and Portuguese
Welcome!
My name is Anna Schäfer Edwards. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Florida (License # MT 4128) and Arizona (License # LMFT-16272) and I provide forensic evaluations for Family and Immigration Law as well as therapy services to adults and couples. I am a qualified supervisor in Florida. I hold a Masters Degree in Family Therapy and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. I have spent more than 20 years in the business sector. I enjoy working with professionals and executives when providing individual or couples therapy.
As an evaluator, my written reports strive to convey findings in a manner that is clear, concise, accurate, and objective. My reports are unbiased, and critical to clients’ cases. I am mindful of the weight that may be placed on my report, so I set a high standard for the quality and organization of the narrative.
Child custody evaluations lie at the intersection of forensic psychology, requiring expertise in assessing children, adults, and families. I recognize the importance of utilizing evidence-based frameworks when appropriate. Immigration evaluations are written based on my extensive work with individuals suffering from trauma, abuse, and family separation dynamics. My interviews can be in Spanish or Portuguese for the client’s convenience.
Evaluations profoundly influence lives and are subject to public scrutiny and trust. I strive to function as a fair and impartial evaluator. I hope to earn your confidence in addressing your needs or the needs of your client.
I see clients online as well as in my office in Cooper City at the Counseling and Wellness Center of South Florida (CWCSF.com). Check out my directory profile and pictures of my office here
Welcome!
My name is Anna Schäfer Edwards. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Florida (License # MT 4128) and Arizona (License # LMFT-16272) and I provide forensic evaluations for Family and Immigration Law as well as therapy services to adults and couples. I am a qualified supervisor in Florida. I hold a Masters Degree in Family Therapy and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. I have spent more than 20 years in the business sector. I enjoy working with professionals and executives when providing individual or couples therapy.
As an evaluator, my written reports strive to convey findings in a manner that is clear, concise, accurate, and objective. My reports are unbiased, and critical to clients’ cases. I am mindful of the weight that may be placed on my report, so I set a high standard for the quality and organization of the narrative.
Child custody evaluations lie at the intersection of forensic psychology, requiring expertise in assessing children, adults, and families. I recognize the importance of utilizing evidence-based frameworks when appropriate. Immigration evaluations are written based on my extensive work with individuals suffering from trauma, abuse, and family separation dynamics. My interviews can be in Spanish or Portuguese for the client’s convenience.
Evaluations profoundly influence lives and are subject to public scrutiny and trust. I strive to function as a fair and impartial evaluator. I hope to earn your confidence in addressing your needs or the needs of your client.
I see clients online as well as in my office in Cooper City at the Counseling and Wellness Center of South Florida (CWCSF.com). Check out my directory profile and pictures of my office here