Clinical psychologists delivering clear, defensible evaluations
Threat-of-Harm Evaluations in Lancaster & Central PA
getting started
Addressing Safety Concerns in Central PA’s Custody Cases
When safety is questioned, clarity matters. At Gransee & Associates, we offer 5329 safety and threat-of-harm psychological evaluations throughout Lancaster and Central Pennsylvania. Our role is to deliver objective, court-ready assessments that help determine risk, inform decision-making, and prioritize the child's well-being.
getting started
What is a “Threat-of-Harm” Evaluation?
A threat-of-harm evaluation is used when a specific concern is raised about potential risk to a child. It’s a structured forensic assessment that examines alleged behaviors, relevant history, risk factors, and safety concerns to determine whether a credible threat exists or the concern can be reasonably refuted.
A Threat-of-Harm Evaluation May be Ordered When:
- One parent alleges the other poses a risk to the child
- Concerns are raised about a new partner or individual in the child’s environment
- There are accusations of aggression, instability, or unsafe behavior
- The court needs to assess if a claimed safety risk is credible
- An individual is seeking to refute allegations that they are dangerous
evaluation standards
What You Need to Know About Section 5329
Section 5329 of Pennsylvania law requires courts to consider specific factors related to safety and past conduct when making custody decisions. These standards guide the review of concerns and ensure that potential risks are formally addressed in legal proceedings.
How Safety Evaluations Differ From Broader Assessments
A safety or threat-of-harm evaluation is often part of a larger legal process. In some cases, it is requested on its own. In other cases, it may be used alongside broader evaluations, depending on what the court needs to determine.
Parenting Capacity Evaluations
Parenting capacity evaluations assess an individual’s overall ability to parent, including judgment, emotional functioning, and consistency in meeting a child’s needs.
Full Custody Evaluations
Full custody evaluations provide a comprehensive, multi-domain review of each parent, the child, and family dynamics to inform custody determinations.
what we do
Identifying Behavioral Patterns or Risk Factors
Our team identifies patterns in behavior and history that may indicate risk, helping clarify concerns and providing the court with a more complete, fact-based picture.
Finding Consistency Between Allegations and Documented Evidence
We review records, statements, and collateral information to determine whether allegations align with documented evidence, helping clarify what is supported, inconsistent, or unsupported.
Naming Risk-Related Factors Under PA Law
Our staff outlines potential risk indicators recognized under Pennsylvania law, helping ensure key concerns are documented and aligned with what the court considers.
How We Handle Safety Evaluations
Meet Dr. Jonathan M. Gransee, Psy. D.,
Central PA’s Leading Forensic Psychologist
Dr. Gransee draws on decades of experience across diverse custody cases, offering precise, impartial evaluations that help courts better understand complex family and behavioral dynamics.
our team of professionals
Supported By Our Team Of Investigative Researchers
Gransee & Associates’ in-house research team includes master's-level clinicians who conduct fact-driven, comprehensive reviews, examining each case from all angles for thorough, well-supported evaluation findings.
OUR APPROACH
What Does A Threat-of-Risk/Harm Evaluation Entail?
Our approach is thorough and grounded in a structured, predictable process. Every evaluation is clinical, not emotional. We’re focused on unbiased findings and clear analysis, not treatment or subjective interpretation.
Extensive Interviews & Observation
Helps evaluate behavior, emotional regulation, communication patterns, judgment, and interpersonal interactions to better assess potential safety concerns and overall risk factors.
Psychological Evaluations
Examines anger patterns, aggression, impulse control, emotional stability, substance use, behavioral history, and responses to stress or conflict.
Careful Research & Review
Includes examining court records, medical history, police reports, prior evaluations, communications, and collateral information to assess potential safety concerns and behavioral patterns.
Report Submission & Testimony
A written report is prepared outlining findings, professional opinions, and recommendations. When required, the evaluator may also provide court testimony regarding the evaluation and conclusions.
Where We’re Located
313 W Liberty St Suite 143, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
Due to the nature of these evaluations, all services are conducted in person.
Serving clients across south-central pA and nationwide
- Lancaster
- York
- Dauphin
- Lebanon
- Berks
- Chester
- Adams
- Franklin
faqs
How do 5329 safety evaluations differ from other kinds of child-custody-related evaluations?
5329 safety evaluations are more focused than other child-custody evaluations, as they address specific concerns outlined in Pennsylvania law. Rather than assessing overall parenting or custody arrangements, they concentrate on allegations of risk, such as abuse or violence, and whether credible safety concerns exist for the court to consider.
What does 5329 mean? Where does the name come from?
The name “5329” refers to Section 5329 of Pennsylvania’s child custody law. This statute outlines specific factors courts are required to consider when evaluating safety concerns in custody cases, particularly those involving past conduct or potential risk to a child.
Who typically requests a 5329 evaluation?
Judges and attorneys will often request this evaluation via court order.
Is this evaluation meant to prove someone is dangerous?
No, it is an evaluation to prove someone’s competency to stand trial.
Can Dr. Gransee provide expert testimony in court related to my report?
Yes. Dr. Gransee can provide defensible, objective testimony in court that directly supports the findings and conclusions outlined in the evaluation report when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Begin the Evaluation Process
Gransee & Associates provides 5329 safety and threat-of-harm psychological evaluations with a focus on clarity, objectivity, and thorough review. If you have questions about your situation or next steps, you can begin with a simple intake to help determine the appropriate path forward.