Parenting Assessments for Parents with Learning Disabilities or Difficulties
Specialist parenting assessments adapted to each parent's communication and learning needs, so every parent has a fair opportunity to show their strengths. Carried out by Dr Lisa O'Reilly and Steven Peet, who have both completed MALD® training.
What Is a MALD® Assessment?
A specialist UK model for assessing parents
MALD® (the Specialist Parenting Assessment Framework) was developed in the UK by expert witnesses Danielle Hoskinson and Nichola Doyle. It is designed for assessing parents with learning disabilities, learning difficulties and neurodivergence, including autism and ADHD.
Dr Lisa O'Reilly and Steven Peet have both completed MALD® training. Assessments are adapted to each parent's communication and learning needs, using visual aids, prompts and observation so a parent can take part at a level that suits them. The assessment is not a test or an exam for the parent.
These assessments are suitable for child care and family law proceedings in Ireland.
Who it is for
- Parents with learning disabilities
- Parents with learning difficulties
- Neurodivergent parents, including autistic parents and parents with ADHD
Solicitors, Tusla and other social work teams, and Guardians ad Litem can commission an assessment.
Why a Fair Assessment Matters
Each parent is different
A learning disability or difficulty affects each person differently. A parent's strengths and support needs should be assessed individually, not assumed from a label.
Ireland's commitments
Ireland ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in March 2018. Article 23 says a child should never be separated from their parents because of a disability of the child or of one or both parents, and that states should give appropriate help with child-rearing.
How a MALD® Assessment Works
Planning with the parent
The MALD® model starts with an assessment plan and clear information for the parent about what to expect, including a short video.
Adapting the approach
Visual aids, prompts and observational tools help the parent understand each step. The assessment style is adapted to the individual parent.
Strengths and support needs
The assessment starts from what the parent does well. It also identifies areas for development, skills training or support.
A clear outcome
The outcome is written to be easy for parents to follow, without busy tables or jargon, so a parent can understand what was found and why.
Why HAPii
Our MALD® assessors
Dr Lisa O'Reilly has 24+ years' experience in child protection, foster care, play-based engagement and attachment theory. Steven Peet is an independent social worker. Both have completed MALD® training. Read more on their profile pages: Dr O'Reilly and Steven Peet.
Part of HAPii's assessment services
HAPii's other assessment services include parental capacity assessments, attachment and trauma informed assessments, Section 32 and Section 47 assessments.
Common Questions
What is MALD®?
MALD® is a specialist parenting assessment framework developed in the UK. It is used by expert witnesses and social workers to support parents with learning disabilities, learning difficulties and neurodivergence to take part in an assessment.
How is it different from a standard parenting capacity assessment?
The purpose is the same: to understand a parent's strengths and support needs. The difference is in how the assessment is carried out. It uses visual aids, prompts and observation, adapts to each parent's communication and learning needs, and is not a test or exam.
Who can ask for a MALD® assessment?
Solicitors, Tusla and other social work teams, and Guardians ad Litem can commission an assessment in child care and family law proceedings. Contact HAPii to discuss a referral.
How long does an assessment take?
We confirm the timeline when you make a referral, and take account of any timeframe the court has set. We confirm availability, timelines and fees within 2 working days.
Is MALD® used in Ireland?
MALD® was developed in the UK. Dr O'Reilly and Steven Peet have both completed the MALD® training and offer these assessments in Ireland.
Make a Referral
Ready to make a referral?
Contact HAPii to discuss a parenting assessment for a parent with a learning disability, learning difficulty or neurodivergence. Please do not include names or case details in your first message.