What is a custody evaluation and when is one needed?

A custody evaluation is a comprehensive forensic psychological assessment ordered by the court to help determine the best custody and visitation arrangements for a child. It typically involves interviews, psychological testing, behavioral observations, and collateral contacts. Courts order evaluations when parents cannot agree on parenting plans, there are concerns about a parent's fitness, or complex family dynamics require professional assessment.

How long does a forensic custody evaluation take?

A thorough forensic custody evaluation typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to complete, depending on complexity. This includes multiple interview sessions with each parent, child observations, psychological testing, review of relevant documents, collateral interviews, and preparation of the written report. Dr. Rosiere prioritizes thoroughness while maintaining reasonable timelines for the court.

What is a bonding and attachment assessment?

A bonding and attachment assessment evaluates the emotional connection between a child and their parent or caregiver. Using structured observations, validated assessment instruments, and clinical interviews, Dr. Rosiere measures the quality of the parent-child bond to provide the court with evidence-based findings that inform custody and placement decisions.

Can attorneys refer clients directly for forensic evaluations?

Yes, attorneys can refer clients directly for forensic evaluations. Dr. Rosiere regularly works with family law attorneys throughout Florida, accepting both court-appointed and privately retained cases. Attorneys can contact the office at (407) 927-3955 to discuss case specifics and scheduling.

What qualifies Dr. Rosiere to conduct forensic psychological evaluations?

Dr. Scott C. Rosiere holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology and is a licensed psychologist in Florida. He has specialized training in forensic psychology, extensive experience conducting custody evaluations, parenting capacity assessments, and bonding evaluations for dependency and family law courts. He serves as an expert witness and follows all APA guidelines and Florida statutory requirements for forensic evaluations.

Understanding Adoption in Florida: The System Behind the Decisions

Q: What areas of Florida does Dr. Rosiere serve?

Dr. Rosiere's primary office is in Lake Mary, Florida, and he serves clients throughout Central and South Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding areas. He is available for court-appointed and private evaluations across all Florida family law circuits.

A foundational resource for attorneys and professionals handling adoption, dependency, and bonding & attachment matters.

Why This Matters

In high-stakes adoption and dependency cases, opinions about bonding, attachment, and permanency cannot be formed in isolation.

They must be grounded in how Florida’s system actually works.

This report provides a comprehensive overview of:

How children become legally available for adoption
The dependency and permanency process (including TPR)
Timelines from removal to adoption
Systemic barriers that delay permanency
The structure of public vs. private adoption, including intervention

These are not abstract concepts—they directly shape how courts evaluate stability, best interest, and long-term outcomes for children.

How This Informs My Work

In bonding and attachment evaluations, the central question is not simply whether a relationship exists—

It is:

What does this relationship mean for the child’s long-term development, stability, and permanency within the legal framework of the case?

That determination requires integrating:

Clinical observation
Developmental science
And the legal posture of the case within Florida’s adoption system

When those elements are aligned, the analysis becomes clearer, more defensible, and more useful to the court.

Access the Full Report

👉 View: Adoptions of Children in Florida – An Overview (OPPAGA Report)

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of forensic evaluations does Dr. Rosiere conduct?

Dr. Rosiere conducts custody evaluations, bonding and attachment assessments, parenting capacity evaluations, domestic violence and coercive control assessments, psychological evaluations of child sexual abuse allegations, sexually reactive behavior assessments, and permanency/placement analysis for termination of parental rights proceedings. He serves courts and attorneys throughout Central and South Florida.

Does Dr. Rosiere provide expert witness testimony?

Yes. Dr. Rosiere has been qualified as an expert witness in Florida courts and regularly provides testimony in dependency proceedings, contested custody disputes, and family court matters. He is available for both deposition and trial testimony.

What areas of Florida does Dr. Rosiere serve?

Dr. Rosiere's office is in Lake Mary, FL (Seminole County), and he serves clients and courts across Central and South Florida, including Orange, Osceola, Volusia, Brevard, Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, and Polk counties.

What are Dr. Rosiere's qualifications?

Dr. Rosiere holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, has over 25 years of forensic and clinical experience, is a licensed psychologist in Florida (PY-7076), serves as adjunct faculty at NSU, and is a member of APA, AFCC, and FPA. He previously served 14 Years – Clinical Leadership, Broward County Dependency System (ChildNet).

How do I retain Dr. Rosiere as an expert on my case?

Attorneys can contact our office at (754) 465-4698 or through the contact form at custodyevaluationpsychologist.com to discuss case details and scheduling. Dr. Rosiere is available for court-appointed and privately retained evaluations and consultations.

Understanding Adoption in Florida: The System Behind the Decisions

Why This Matters

How This Informs My Work

Access the Full Report

No intake form. No fee for the initial call. Contact Dr. Scott Rosiere, Psy.D. directly at (754) 465-4698 or through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions