PRE SERVICES

C.R.S. 14-10-127: In all proceedings concerning the allocation of parental responsibilities with respect to a child, the court may, upon motion of either party or upon its own motion, order any evaluator to perform an evaluation and file a written report concerning the disputed issues relating to the allocation of parental responsibilities for the child, unless the motion by either party is made for the purpose of delaying the proceedings. The purpose of the evaluation and report is to assist in determining the best interests of the child, with the child's safety always paramount. The evaluation and subsequent report must focus on the best interests of the child and the factors set forth in sections 14-10-124 and 14-10-129 in any post-decree or relocation case. In addition, the evaluator shall assess a party's parenting attributes as those attributes relate to the best interests of the child and consider any psychological needs of the child when making recommendations concerning decision-making and parenting time for the written report. In the written report, the evaluator shall provide options that serve the best interests of the child to the court for the court to consider.

A PRE is a someone who is  qualified as competent, by training and experience, in the areas of: 

• The effects of divorce and remarriage on children, adults, and families;
• The effects of domestic violence on children, adults, and families, including the connection between domestic violence and trauma on children, coercive control, child abuse, and child sexual abuse in accordance with section 14-10-127.5. 
• The person's training and experience must be provided by recognized sources with expertise in domestic violence and the traumatic effects of domestic violence and coercive control in accordance with section 14-10-127.5. 
• Initial and ongoing training must include, at a minimum: No less than twenty hours of initial training, required pursuant to section 14-10-127.5 (5)(a)(I); and no less than fifteen hours of ongoing training every five years, required pursuant to section 14-10-127.5(5)(a)(I). 
• Appropriate parenting techniques;
• Child development, including cognitive, personality, emotional, and psychological development;
• Child and adult psychopathology;
• Applicable clinical assessment techniques; and
• Applicable legal and ethical requirements of parental responsibilities evaluations.

In Colorado, a Child and Family Investigator (CFI) and a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) both play key roles in contested custody cases, but they differ in their scope, depth, and expertise.

1. Scope of Investigation:

• CFI: A CFI's investigation is typically brief and focused on specific issues outlined by the court. They conduct a limited inquiry, focusing on the child’s best interests, and provide a report with recommendations to the court.
• PRE: A PRE conducts a more comprehensive and in-depth evaluation, which may include psychological testing, multiple interviews, and observations. Their evaluation covers broader aspects of family dynamics and parental responsibilities.

2. Qualifications:

• CFI: CFIs can be attorneys or mental health professionals, but they are not required to have specialized training in psychology or mental health unless the court deems it necessary for the case.
• PRE: PREs are typically licensed mental health professionals or psychologists with specific training and experience in family evaluations and child development.

3. Depth of Evaluation:

• CFI: A CFI’s investigation is generally quicker, less expensive, and less detailed. They may interview the parents, the child(ren), and review collateral sources, but their assessment is limited.
• PRE: A PRE provides a more thorough evaluation, often including psychological testing, in-depth interviews, and more extensive review of third-party sources (e.g., teachers, doctors, therapists). The PRE's evaluation tends to take longer and is more detailed.

4. Cost:

• CFI: CFIs are generally less expensive due to the limited nature of their involvement.
• PRE: PREs are typically more costly because of the extensive evaluation and the time required to conduct their investigation.

In summary, a CFI is suitable for cases requiring a limited, quicker evaluation, while a PRE is typically used in more complex cases that require a thorough, in-depth assessment of the family dynamics and the child(ren)’s best interests.

While these two custody experts serve slightly different roles, their ultimate goal is the same: to recommend a parenting plan that serves your child’s best interests.

Choosing the right custody expert is a crucial decision in any contested custody case. Unlike a Child and Family Investigator (CFI), whose involvement is often shorter and more limited, a PRE typically conducts a more extensive evaluation. The goal of both evaluations is to make recommendations that will serve the best interests of the child(ren), however, a CFI may be a licensed attorney or a mental health professional, whereas a PRE must be a mental health professional. The PRE may conduct psychological testing or other psychometric assessments.

A PRE is typically necessary when the custody matter involves high-conflict or unique concerns such as substance abuse, pervasive mental health issues, child abuse, and/or child sexual abuse. Many PRE cases involve situations of alleged parental alienation, child refuse-and-resist dynamics, or parental estrangement.

A PRE report will very likely be more detailed, in-depth, and specific to narrow issues than a CFI report which is intended to be more brief and broadly focused.