Family & Adolescent Matters
Family instructions need more care than any other category, and a lower threshold for declining. A polygraph introduced badly into a family can do more damage than the question it was meant to settle.
We do examine older teenagers, typically from around sixteen, with the informed consent of both the young person and a parent or guardian, and only where the young person is genuinely willing. “Willing” is assessed by the examiner in private, not asserted by the parent at the door. If a teenager makes clear to us that they are attending under duress, the appointment ends and there is no charge for the examination.
We do not examine younger children under any circumstances, whatever the allegation and whoever is asking. Where an allegation concerns a child, the correct route is a report to the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services or to local law enforcement, and we will say so.
Common instructions
Substance use is the most frequent — a parent trying to establish whether a specific drug has been used within a defined period. Contact in breach of a court order is next, usually attorney-instructed. Theft within a household, and disputed accounts between adult siblings over the care or finances of an elderly relative, make up much of the rest.
A word on expectations
An examination gives you a finding on one question about one period. It does not rebuild trust, and it will not by itself change a young person’s behaviour. Families who get value from this process are almost always the ones who have already decided what they will do with either answer before they book. If you have not had that conversation yet, have it first.
What this covers
- Examinations from around age sixteen, with informed consent from both sides
- No examinations of younger children, in any circumstances
- Willingness assessed privately by the examiner, not asserted by a parent
- Appointment ended without charge if the young person is attending under pressure
- Frank advice where an examination is unlikely to help
Discuss this before you book
Tell us what you need answered and we will tell you honestly whether this is the right examination for it.
Other services
Relationship & Infidelity Testing
For couples trying to settle a question of fidelity honestly and privately.
Criminal Defense & Specific Issue
Single-issue examinations for people facing an allegation, usually instructed by counsel.
Attorney & Legal Instructions
Examinations instructed by counsel in criminal, family and civil matters.