26/03/2026
Child Assessment Is Not a Guessing Game — It Is a Legal Responsibility
As both a legal practitioner and a behaviour therapist, I need to say this clearly:
Assessing a child without proper qualification is not just wrong — it is a criminal offence.
Every assessment — whether developmental, behavioural, psychological, or physiological — plays a critical role in shaping a child’s future. It determines the type of support they receive, the interventions they undergo, and in many cases, the opportunities available to them.
Now imagine those decisions being made by someone without the required training or licence.
That is not just risky — it is dangerous, unlawful, and punishable under Nigerian law.
Under the Child Rights Law of Lagos State and the Child Rights Act, every child has the right to proper care delivered by qualified and authorised professionals only. Anything outside of this is a direct violation of that child’s rights.
From a legal standpoint, presenting yourself as a qualified assessor when you are not is considered false pretence, which can lead to imprisonment. If a child suffers harm due to a wrong assessment or delayed intervention, it becomes a matter of negligence, carrying serious civil and criminal consequences.
Let us be clear:
Child assessment is not a one-person responsibility. It requires a licensed, multidisciplinary team — including medical doctors, psychologists, behaviour analysts, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists — each working strictly within their area of competence.
Anything less is not just unprofessional. It is illegal.
As a parent, guardian, or institution, you have the right and responsibility to ask:
Who is assessing this child?
What are their qualifications?
Are they licensed to practice in this field?
Because protecting a child is not optional — it is both a legal duty and a moral obligation.
If you are unsure about the validity of your child’s assessment or need guidance from qualified professionals, we are here to support you.
Send us a direct message to ask questions or book a proper assessment today.