Abstract

Starting from the analysis of the conceptual models of parenting evaluation, the criteria and the main assessment instruments, the literature review has the aim of answering to the following questions: are the individual and relational factors implied in the evaluation of parenting considered for their interconnection? Is the evaluation of parental competences limited to the diagnosis of critical issues or has it also a prognostic function of recoverability? Are the scientific criteria, described in literature, applied in the clinical practice of evaluation? Finally, methodological and critical issues of parenting evaluation and future research trends will be discussed.