Psychology help ASAP

NAME: Patrick Lopez

D.O.B: December 7, 1990

CHILD: Brandon Lopez

D.O.B: September 7, 2010

REFERRAL: Patrick Lopez was referred for evaluation by Ms. Lydia Battle, Department of Social Services caseworker once he was contacted by the Division of Child Services regarding his recent arrest for possession of a controlled substance, Patrick Lopez age 27, recently developed a drug addiction and was admitting to a rehabilitation treatment center for the abuse and to check if any mental issues or present. The court will make a final decision on the parental ability of Mr. Lopez to care for his son Brandon Lopez.

 

BACKGROUND: Patrick Lopez, father of Brandon Lopez is a single parent and lives after his ex-girlfriend Marissa Nunez and mother of his son Brandon abandoned them and left without a trace. Mr. Lopez became depressed and began using opioids to assist with his depression this led to his addiction. Patrick’s mother Jeanine is the only relative present in his life. Recently Brandon was placed temporarily in the care of his grandmother until a determination is decided by the courts. Patrick Lopez was arrested by the Coral Springs Police and booked into the County jail for possession of a controlled substance.

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION:

1. Referral letter and notes from Ms. Lydia Battle, Department of Social Services; predisposition report from dated October 4, 2017.

2. Records regarding Mr. Lopez from Broward County Jail Intake assessment

3. Report on the evaluation of Mr. Lopez by Joseph Niles, M.D., on November 3, 2017.

4. Report on the evaluation of Mr. Lopez by Suzette Robinson, Ph.D., on December 23, 2017.

5. Letter from Lin Chang, A.R.N.P, Broward Mental Health Center, dated March 16, 2016

6. Intake evaluation report by Janis Blades, L.C.S.W., of Broward County, dated April 14, 2018.

7. Phone conversation with Ingrid Myers (Brandon Lopez Teacher) Parkview Elementary School Apr 30, 2018.

8. Interviews with Mr. Lopez on May 6, and May 13, 2018.

9. Observation of Mr. Lopez with Brandon Lopez, May 24, 2018

10. Interview with Marissa Lopez on June 17, 2018.

11. Interview with Brandon on June 25, 2018.

12. Semi-Structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism (SSADDA) –Suzette Robinson-Ph.D., on July 19, 2018

13. Addiction Severity Index (ASI)- Suzette Robinson - Ph.D. on July 18, 2018 

14. Beck Depression Inventory assessment- July 25 – Joseph Niles, M.D 

15. Parent Fit Evaluation determination to the Court on August 20, 2018

 

EVALUATION OF MR. LOPEZ

· Intake assessment screening –Broward County Jail

· Behavioral Evaluation/s

· Broward County Mental Health Report

· Semi-Structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism (SSADDA)

· Addiction Severity Index (ASI)

· Beck Depression Inventory assessment

EVALUATION OF BRANDON LOPEZ

· Clinical Interview

· Interview with Brandon’s teacher

· Records of Grades, attendance from school

· Additional interviews 

· Observational notes (Mr. Lopez with Brandon Lopez)

Rationale:

The Beck Depression inventory assessment testing would be my recommended testing for Mr. Lopez’s current issues with depression as it is widely recognized in the testing of depression. Another test would be the Addiction severity index assessment to measure the any medical issues that might be related to the use of drugs, loss of employment and family (Rehab center, 2014). The Semi-structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism (SSADDA) was developed to assist with genetic studies related to substance abuse mainly opioid dependence. The recommended tests have been proven to be beneficial in other cases such as the above-mentioned cases. It is important as an evaluator to follow the have the knowledge and follow the guidelines that are set forth by the American Psychology Association (APA).

Heather Barrow

References

Melton, G. B. (2007). Psychological evaluations for the courts: A handbook for mental health professionals and lawyers. New York: Guilford Press.

American Psychological Association. (2013). Guidelines for psychological evaluations in child protection matters. American Psychologist, 68(1), 20-31. 10.1037/a0029891 Retrieved from http://library.capella.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pdh&AN=2012-26231-001&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Rehab Center. (2014). What Is the Addiction Severity Index? Retrieved from https://www.rehabcenter.net/what-is-the-addiction-severity-index/

Samet, S., Waxman, R., Hatzenbuehler, M., & Hasin, D. (2007). Addressing Addiction: Concepts and Instruments. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 4(1), 19-31. Doi: 10.1151/ascp074119