Specialist Assessments for Children and Young People
Compass provides expert psychological assessments for children and adolescents, supporting families, professionals and the Courts in understanding a young person’s emotional, cognitive and social needs. Our psychologists specialise in child and adolescent development, attachment, and trauma, combining clinical expertise with sensitivity and care.
Every assessment is designed to help identify a child’s strengths and vulnerabilities, understand their experiences and provide recommendations that support their wellbeing and future development.
Who Are Child Assessments For?
Our child and adolescent assessments are commissioned by a wide range of referrers, including:
- Family Court professionals – requiring independent expert opinions regarding parenting capacity, attachment, or trauma.
- Social services and local authorities – needing detailed assessments to inform care planning or safeguarding decisions.
- The Civil Court – when the impact of trauma, medical negligence and personal injury is an issue.
- Youth Court – requiring an understanding of a young person’s psychological and risk profile.
Our Child-Centred Approach
Children and young people using Compass can expect to be treated with respect, warmth and understanding. All assessments are tailored to each child’s developmental stage, communication style and circumstances. We place a strong emphasis on creating a safe and comfortable environment where children feel able to share their experiences openly.
Assessments are carried out by psychologists with specialist training in child and adolescent psychology, ensuring that each report reflects a deep understanding of developmental, relational and systemic factors.
What to Expect
Our child assessments typically follow a structured process that is adapted to the needs of the young person and the purpose of the assessment. This usually includes:
- Referral and background review – gathering information from parents, schools, social services or legal representatives.
- Interviews and observations – meeting with the child, parents or carers, and sometimes observing family interactions or classroom behaviour.
- Psychometric testing – using age-appropriate standardised tools to assess emotional wellbeing, cognitive ability, attachment style, and personality traits.
- Consultation with professionals – where appropriate, liaising with teachers, social workers or healthcare providers for additional insight.
- Formulation and report – integrating all findings into a clear, evidence-based report with recommendations to support the child’s wellbeing.
Example Psychometric Tools
Our psychologists use validated, age-appropriate psychometric measures. Examples include:
- WISC-V – cognitive and intellectual assessment for children
- MACI / MPACI– behavioural and emotional assessment
- BYI – child anxiety and depression inventories
- TSCC / TSCYC – trauma and post-traumatic stress measures
- FRT– assessment of family relations
- SAVRY– violence risk assessment
Example Outcomes
Depending on the referral, our child assessments may:
- Identify emotional or behavioural difficulties and their underlying causes
- Assess attachment and relationship patterns with parents or carers
- Evaluate cognitive, learning or developmental profiles
- Clarify the impact of trauma or adverse experiences
- Provide recommendations for therapeutic intervention, educational support or care planning
Each report includes a psychological formulation that helps professionals and families understand the child’s experiences in context and identify effective next steps.
A Professional and Accessible Service
Compass provides a professional, accessible assessment service for children and young people. We aim to offer timely appointments with minimal waiting times, whether assessments are commissioned by the Court or the local authority.
Assessments are conducted in suitable child-friendly environments, ensuring that each child’s comfort and welfare remain central throughout.
Why Choose Compass
- Specialist child and adolescent psychologists experienced in complex family, educational and legal contexts
- Evidence-based assessments using validated psychometric tools and developmental frameworks
- Clear and balanced reporting for Courts, social services, schools and families
- Private, compassionate and accessible service with flexible appointment options
- Timely delivery and transparent communication throughout the process
Frequently asked questions
Each assessment is tailored to the child’s age and situation. It may include interviews with parents or carers, direct work with the child (through play, conversation or testing), and the use of standardised psychometric tools. We may also liaise with teachers or social workers when appropriate.
Assessments can be commissioned by local authorities, solicitors or the Courts.
Assessments can explore issues such as attachment, emotional regulation, anxiety, trauma, learning difficulties, social skills, and developmental or behavioural concerns. The goal is always to build a clear, evidence-based understanding of what may be affecting the child’s wellbeing or behaviour.
The process usually takes place at the child’s school and can take up to 3 hours with breaks, depending on the child’s stage of development.
Yes. All assessments are conducted in line with HCPC and British Psychological Society guidelines on confidentiality and safeguarding. For Court assessments, the report will be sent to the Lead Solicitor who then submits this to the Court and the other parties, including the parents and potentially the Guardian and Social Care team, if they are parties to proceedings.
Get in Touch
If you would like to discuss a psychological assessment for a child or young person, please contact Compass Psychological. Our team will be happy to provide information about our services and guide you through the referral process.
