Forensic psychologists focused on accuracy, clarity, and fairness
Parenting Capacity Assessments in Central PA
getting started
Serving the Best Interests of Central PA’s Children
Gransee & Associates offers pre-adoption psychological evaluations, providing structured, evidence-based assessments to support informed decisions. Credible, defensible evaluations trusted in legal settings, helping you move forward with confidence while growing your family through adoption.
Our values
What Our Forensic Psychologists Are Looking For
Emotional & Mental Care
Emotional stability, mental health, and the parent’s ability to regulate behavior, manage stress, and respond appropriately to a child’s emotional and developmental needs over time.
Positive Relationships Between Child & Caregiver
Quality of the parent–child relationship, including attachment, communication, responsiveness, and the ability to build and maintain a healthy bond through consistent, supportive interactions.
Capacity for Providing A Safe Environment
Assessing whether the parent can provide a safe, stable environment that isn’t chaotic, with consistent routines, structure, and appropriate supervision to support the child’s well-being.
Consistent Parental Engagement
Evaluating if the parent demonstrates consistent engagement through reliable presence, active involvement, and follow-through, supporting the child’s emotional needs, development, and daily routines consistently.
prepping For Your Evaluation
Interviews With Parents/Caregivers
Assessing history, communication patterns, decision-making, and insight into the child’s needs, behaviors, and overall well-being over time.
Interviews With Children
Age-appropriate interviews to understand the child’s experiences, relationships, emotional responses, and perspectives within the family dynamic in a safe, structured setting.
Observation for Each Caregiver
Direct observation of each caregiver interacting with the child to assess behavior, responsiveness, communication, and ability to provide structure, guidance, and appropriate support.
Research & Review
Comprehensive review process led by our internal research team, analyzing records, collateral information, and findings for thorough and unbiased conclusions.
Evaluation of Parental Motivations
Examining the driving factors behind a parent’s decisions, including priorities, judgment, and consistency, to determine whether actions reflect the child’s best interests over time.
Submission of Report
Preparation and submission of a court-ready report outlining findings, rationale, and supporting evidence—clearly written to withstand scrutiny and inform judicial decision-making.
What To Expect During Your Assessment
During your assessment, we approach the case from multiple perspectives, including direct and third-party interviews, observations, and a comprehensive review of records to develop objective, well-supported conclusions.
Our team
Meet Dr. Jonathan M. Gransee, Psy. D.
Dr. Gransee is a leading forensic psychologist in Central PA, a seasoned evaluator recognized for clear, controlled courtroom testimony and for presenting complex findings in a way courts can rely on.
Where We’re Located
313 W Liberty St Suite 143, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
Parental capacity evaluations must be conducted in person, as the process relies on direct observation, real-time interaction, and controlled assessment conditions that can’t be replicated remotely or virtually.
Serving clients across south-central pA and nationwide
- Lancaster
- York
- Dauphin
- Lebanon
- Berks
- Chester
- Adams
- Franklin
faqs
What happens if a parent has a history of substance or domestic abuse?
A history of substance abuse or domestic abuse does not automatically determine custody outcomes. Evaluations examine current behavior, treatment or recovery efforts, emotional stability, parenting ability, and child safety concerns. Through interviews, testing, records, and collateral information, the goal is to provide the court with a fair, objective assessment of the parent’s current circumstances.
Does your report guarantee a certain ruling?
No. A psychological evaluation does not guarantee a specific court ruling or legal outcome. The evaluator’s role is to provide an objective, evidence-based assessment and professional recommendations. Final decisions are made by the court after considering all available information, testimony, and legal factors related to the case.
What will your research entail?
Our research may include record reviews, interviews, psychological testing, and collateral reference calls. The goal is to provide thorough, objective, evidence-based professional findings and recommendations.
How long will a parental capacity assessment take?
Common Questions From Parents
Start Your Assessment With Trusted Forensic Psychologists
Start your parenting capacity assessment with the team at Gransee & Associates, known for thorough, objective work. Take the first step toward a clear, defensible evaluation that helps the court fully understand your situation.