This is the peer reviewed version which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5045. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions.A large proportion of families with a child suffering from cancer are heavily burdened, both psychologically and socially functions, thus requiring treatment. Therefore, a systematic assessment of burden and needs is essential to identify clients with a high psychosocial burden and to allow for accurate decision making regarding indications for treatment. There is a great need for the development and validation of screening instruments in psychosocial counseling