What the Assessment Includes

Structured Access Observations

Real-time, child-friendly observations of parent-child (or wider family) interactions across multiple sessions, conducted in a neutral, supportive setting designed to reduce anxiety and promote natural interaction. Our focus encompasses bonding, emotional attunement, co-regulation, communication patterns, boundaries, safety, and play dynamics — all informed by attachment theory (including Secure Base dimensions) and play-based assessment frameworks developed through Dr. O'Reilly's doctoral research.

For young infants and non-verbal children, emphasis is placed on detailed observational data including attachment behaviours, soothing capacity, developmental cues, and responsiveness rather than verbal expression.

Voices that matter

Interviews with Key Stakeholders

In-depth, structured, separate interviews with:

Access support professional (if involved)
Birth parent(s)
The child (age-appropriate: using play, creative, or indirect methods where needed)
Foster carer(s) or current caregivers

Review of relevant documentation

Court directions
Care plans
Previous professional reports (where provided)

This integrated approach ensures findings are balanced, contextualised, and grounded in the child's lived experience.

More than observation

Integrated Psychoeducational Support

Built into every assessment

HAPii assessments embed practical, evidence-based guidance throughout the process rather than operating as observation-only models. Support may include:

For the child

Trauma-sensitive play strategies
Emotional regulation tools
Attachment-informed processing

For birth family

Parenting strategies rooted in attachment science
Co-regulation and emotional attunement guidance
Understanding the impact of separation and trauma on behaviour

For foster family / current caregivers

Supporting transitions before and after contact
Managing emotional responses linked to access
Strengthening attachment security within the placement

Guidance draws on the CAR Guide, Theraplay-informed principles, and attachment-focused tools, with the aim of building capacity for positive, healing contact.

Court-ready outcomes

Final Report & Recommendations

A comprehensive, court-ready report includes:

Objective findings from observations, interviews, and documentation review
Analysis of strengths, risks, and relational dynamics
Consideration of the child's expressed or observed views
Evidence-based recommendations for ongoing access arrangements that promote safety, attachment security, and emotional wellbeing

Recommendations may address:

Frequency and structure of contact
Supervision requirements
Phased or graduated contact plans
Therapeutic supports where indicated
Safeguarding considerations

Reports are written in clear, professional language suitable for social workers, solicitors, courts, or Tusla.

Getting started

Pricing & Referral Process

Pricing

Full Independent Access Assessment (three observations, all interviews, psychoeducational support, documentation review, detailed report)

~€2,400 plus travel

Fixed fee (subject only to rare exceptional additions, such as extensive additional documentation review or case complexity).

Payment terms:

50% deposit on referral acceptance
Balance due on report delivery
Invoices and receipts provided

Referral Process

Complete and return the HAPii Referral Form.
HAPii acknowledges receipt within 2 working days and confirms suitability and availability.
Contract issued outlining process, timelines, and fees.

Required documentation:

Case background summary
Signed consents (or court direction)
Existing reports and relevant documentation

Turnaround: Typically 8–12 weeks from referral acceptance to final report (depending on complexity and scheduling).

Ready to make a referral?

We'd love to hear from you and explore how HAPii's Access Assessment service can support your child, family, or case.

Make a referral

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Access Assessments