Although procedures vary from agency to agency, a Social study usually begins by filling out some kind of general information form setting out background information about the parties, their basic reasons for seeking custody of the child or children, and references. As the general information sheet provides the starting point for the case worker's investigation, it becomes a very important document in your case. By the time a social study has been requested, we will have a general theory of the case in mind. You need to discuss this with us prior to attempting to complete the social study information forms and questionnaires. In essence the theory will be one that emphasizes the positive factors in support of you being appointed the primary conservator and secondarily alludes to the negative factors that would not support the other parent or party seeking conservatorship.

Selection of references for you should be made carefully and should be discussed with us prior to the final selection. A determination must be made if the person who is being considered as a reference would make a good witness at trial. If something about the potential witness, i.e., poor personal appearance, lack of personal credibility, questionable background, or the like, makes that person an undesirable witness, you should avoid that person for reference purposes. The references should have current knowledge of both parties and the child or children. You should not be interested so much in someone that can provide a character reference for you much as they would in a job application, but one who can provide current knowledge of you and the other party and the child or children involved.

After completion of the general information questionnaire (and possibly other forms), the next step in the preparation of a social study is the interview itself. Depending on the agency conducting the interview, the initial conference may be a joint session with both parents or parties, or an individual interview. Generally, the first session will not include children.

A study was done in Dallas County in 1985 by a particular law firm and the case workers indicated that they following information Important in their interviewing process:

(1)The strengths of each parent as expressed by the parent, that is, what the parent believes his or her strong points are;

(2) The emotional and mental stability of the individuals seeking custody;

(3) The stability of the home;

(4) The social and work circumstances of the person seeking custody;

(5) The parenting history with the child;

(6) The capacity for nurturing the child;

(7) The ability to discipline and set limits for the child; and

(8) The future plans of the person seeking custody.

A major, if not number one concern of the case worker, is the parenting ability of the person seeking custody, not the lack of ability in the other party. Case workers primarily want to hear what your strengths are instead of hearing what a despicable parent the other party is although complaints about deficiencies of the other side remain relevant to an extent.

Prepare your thoughts with an emphasis on theme organization , rather than specific responses to particular inquiries.

Interview With The Children

Unlike the jury or the judge, the case worker has an opportunity to view the individual seeking custody and the children together and observe the party and the children as they interact together. The caseworkers reported observations and impressions of a favorable parent-child interview can be very valuable in the minds of the judge and of jurors who normally get to see only the adults seeking custody.

You should do the following before the party-child interview:

(1) Have the child neatly dressed and groomed;

(2) Attempt to have the child well rested and not hungry prior to the interview.

(3) Bring age-appropriate toys, books, or other materials, with the child to the interview; and

(4) If the child is an infant or toddler, bring diapers, baby wipes, and bottles to the interview.

During the interview with the child, the case worker seeks to observe and evaluate the parenting skills of the person seeking custody, and the relationship between the child and that person. You should conduct yourself as normally as possible.

If the child misbehaves in any way that calls for discipline, the child should be disciplined. Over-loving or over-cuddling will be recognized by the case worker. The case worker will be looking for proper limit-setting by the parent; the case worker wants to determine if the parent is in control of the child or vice versa. In summary, you should try to relax and act as normally as the circumstances permit.