Models for Assessing Parenting Ability with Dr. Anthony Townsend

Care and contact evaluations require more than binary conclusions. They demand clarity, structure, and defensible decision-making that genuinely serves the Best Interests of the Child. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲. Designed for professionals working in high-stakes family law matters, the session offers practical tools to enhance objectivity, guide intervention, and strengthen assessment outcomes. 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝 is a PhD Clinical Psychologist, director of Syntonic, and a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Pretoria. With over 10 years of experience in family law and psycholegal assessments, he has trained at multiple institutions, including Oxford University, and holds leadership roles in PsySSA and SIPSA. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 The limitations of binary “fit vs unfit” conclusions in care and contact evaluations. A dimensional, evidence-based model of parenting ability tailored to South Africa. The distinction between Good Parenting and Parental Fitness and how they interact. Using a structured matrix to identify and describe specific parenting competencies. Reducing the impact of unconscious bias in high-conflict and emotionally charged cases. Moving beyond problem identification toward practical, targeted intervention planning. Identifying specific gaps in parenting capacity to support restorative recommendations. Enhancing the clarity, defensibility, and consistency of assessments. Supporting evidence-based outcomes aligned with the Best Interests of the Child.