The document discusses the importance of developmental assessments for children and adolescents. Developmental assessments can help identify potential problems, establish needs for further evaluation, and assist in preparing suitable interventions. Two assessment tools discussed are the MINI Kid and CAPA, which are diagnostic interviews useful for evaluating disorders in children and adolescents. Treatment options like play therapy and ADHD medications are also discussed as being more applicable to children than adults. Finally, the important role parents play in the assessment and treatment process by providing support, engagement, and valuable information is highlighted.

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Importance of Developmental Assessment
Developmental assessment for adolescents and children is
important for various reasons. The assessments are carried out
because of a concern associated with the child’s developmental
disorder or delay (Sadock, 2014). Hence, such assessments can
help identify potential developmental problems and the
necessity for further diagnostic assessments. Also, they can
offer an objective description of the child’s deficits and
abilities, establish suitability for programs, and assist in the
preparation of suitable interventions. A psychological
evaluation is recommended to children and adolescents for
numerous reasons. One reason is that children and adolescents
may have behavior or even attention issues both in school and
at home. Other reasons are that some kids and adolescents
could be subjected to mistreatment or bullying, be anxious, or
even depressed or have learning disorders (Angold, & Costello,
2000). Usually, when children and adolescents have learning
difficulties or appear to be developmentally behind compared
to their peers, they are most likely advised to go through a
psychological evaluation. That kind of assessment is essential

2. since the results help individuals know the areas that the child
and adolescents do well in and those areas that need to be
addressed (King, 1997). Generally, carrying out a psychiatric
evaluation helps to promote children's and adolescent’s
improvement in emotional functioning and even their
academics. It allows psychologists to develop appropriate
strategies to assist these children and adolescents in realizing
or achieving their full capabilities.
Two Assessment Tools
The two assessment tools are related to diagnostic interviews.
The first instrument is the MINI Kid (Mini international
neuropsychiatric interview for children and adolescents. The
instrument covers a broader range of diagnosis which are apply
to both children and adolescents. Its validity and reliability
have been tested and is recognized as a useful tool in
diagnosing adolescents and children. The other instrument is
CAPA (child and adolescent psychiatric assessment) which is a
structured interview that covers the age range between nine to
seventeen. It evaluates those disorders that impair cognitive,
emotional, behavioral, or physical functioning. The instruments
are used in children and adolescents and not children because
first the child and adolescents setting are different from those
of the adults and hence the triggering factors may be different
and so does the interview questions (APA, 2013). Second,
adolescents and children are at a continuous developmental
stage and hence the internal factors such as cognition and
behavior may vary from adults and hence the lack of use. Also,
the assessment for children and adolescent is complex and
since the adults were once children and adolescents, the use of
such instruments may not be necessary. Lastly, what may affect
a child, or an adolescent may fade in adulthood.
Treatment Options

3. One of the treatment options in adolescents and children that
may not be used in adults is related to ADHD treatment
Sadock, (2014). This includes the use of Clonidine. This is
because this treatment option helps symptoms such as
aggression, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, all of which may
diminish in adulthood and hence not highly prescribed in
adults. The second treatment option is the play therapy.
Although such play therapies related to recreation and art are
recommended for adults, others such as playing with toys, and
other children items are not used. This is because such
techniques are meant to assess the functional attributes of
children hence not effective in adults.
Role of parents
Parents play a crucial role in the treatment and assessment of
children and adolescents. First is offering support and
encouragement during both processes. They also ensure that the
process is done successfully through effective collaboration
and engagement. Parents' engagement in psychiatric evaluation
and treatment is vital. Their involvement gives them the
opportunity, from the beginning, to ask relevant queries and
contribute toward the various treatments and even numerous
supports that are recommended for the child. There are others
essential role that parents play in the evaluation and treatment
process since they give valuable information concerning their
children and also give ideas, proficiency, and insight regarding
the approaches that work excellently for their children and
families (Romanelli et al., 2009). Parents are also expected to
put into action strategies in their homes to support their
children to achieve their treatment goals. Asking questions is
also essential since it helps parents to learn more concerning
their children's mental disorders or statuses. Generally, parents

4. are a crucial asset in the entire evaluation and treatment
procedure since their involvement positively affects the
treatment's outcome. Also, parents’ involvement empowers
them to keep on nurturing their children’s development.
Reference
American Psychiatric Association. (2013).
Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders
(5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.Sadock, B. J. (2014).
Sadock's synopsis of psychiatry: behavioral science/clinical
psychiatry. 11th.
Angold, A., & Costello, E. J. (2000). The child and adolescent
psychiatric assessment(CAPA).
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent
Psychiatry
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(1), 39-48.
King, R. A. (1997). Practice parameters for the psychiatric
assessment of children and adolescents.
Journal of the American Academy of Child &
Adolescent Psychiatry
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36
(10), 4S-20S.
Romanelli, L. H., Landsverk, J., Mass, J., Levitt, L. K. L.,
Hurley, M. M., Bellonci, C., ... & Peter, S. (2009). Best
practices for mental health in child welfare: Screening,
assessment, and treatment guidelines.
Mental Health Services for Children Placed in Foster Care: An
Overview of Current Challenges
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