Family Assessment Clinic
Case Record Reviews
- Most cases for record review involve forensic issues and/or are in litigation.
- Cases that are appropriate involve the standards of child welfare practice or the etiology, dynamics, indicators, or effects of child maltreatment.
- Cases that only involve custody/visitation in divorce, without an allegation of child maltreatment, are not appropriate referrals for FAC.
- Referrals are received from state government, institutions, agencies, and attorneys.
- Referrals are made via a telephone call (734-998-9700) or email (cnmcmull@umich.edu) to Cassandra N. McMullen, the FAC coordinator.
- The coordinator will ask for general information about the case.
- For whom is the referrer speaking?
- What are the issues in dispute or litigation?
- What specific questions should the case record review address?
- How much material needs to be reviewed?
- What is the timeline for the review?
- The clinic director will decide if the case is an appropriate one for FAC to review.
- The referrer will be sent a contract to be signed before the review can begin.
- An hourly rate will be specified in the contract.
- Presently this is $275 per hour.
- The same rate applies to all activities needed for the record review: reviewing documents, notetaking, report writing, preparation for court or depositions, depositions, court testimony.
- If travel is needed for consultation or testimony, travel expenses will be charged.
- Depending on the type of referral, a retainer may be required.
- All case record reviews generate notes and a report.
- The referrer must pay the outstanding bill before the report will be sent, deposition will be granted, consultation will be provided, or court testimony will be rendered.