Practice parameter for the assessment of the family.

The family assessment is one component of the comprehensive psychiatric assessment of the child or adolescent with a psychiatric disorder. This guideline reviews the basic principles in conducting a family interview that gathers history relevant to the child's disorder and observes family interaction associated with the child's disorder. It reviews basic information that must be covered in all evaluations and the information required in complex and specialized situations. The parameter emphasizes that all assessments should include a review of family strengths and resources.