Parental Responsibilities Evaluators (PREs)

By: Beth Andersen

Sometimes a Child Family Investigator (CFI) is not enough and the parties need to seek a Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE).

One reason may be training. CFI candidates must participate in training in order to be certified as a CFI. But they are NOT necessarily a psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, or trained in complex issues such as domestic violence, mental health and substance abuse. That may require a PRE.

There are many reasons to seek a PRE who is, by definition, a licensed health professional. 

• Sometimes a party thinks the CFI did not explore enough depth or was inexperienced on complex issues. 
• Maybe a party disliked the CFI conclusions and wants to contradict the findings with a better trained PRE. 
• Maybe both parties want a more in-depth report. 
• Maybe a psychological exam or an alcohol evaluation is needed. A CFI often lacks the training to do these things. 

The scope of a PRE’s responsibilities are listed under Colorado Revised Statute Section 14-10-127. They are health professionals and they must be qualified to testify 

as an expert on parenting

 issues. They will evaluate the parties and children, and make recommendations that go beyond the scope of a routine CFI investigation.