Hear the Child Interviews & Reports
When parents separate or family circumstances change, children often have thoughts, feelings, and perspectives about what is happening in their lives.
A Hear the Child Report gives them an opportunity to share those views with a neutral professional and have their voice included in the family law process.
This isn’t about asking a child to choose between parents or decide what should happen. It’s about giving them an age-appropriate opportunity to talk about their experiences, what matters to them, and what they would like the adults making decisions about their lives to understand.
My Approach
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and trained Hear the Child interviewer, I approach interviews with curiosity, neutrality, and respect for the child’s age and developmental stage.
My job is to listen carefully and accurately represent what the child tells me and not to determine which parent is “right,” make parenting recommendations, conduct a custody evaluation, or provide a clinical opinion about the family.
What to Expect
The process generally involves meeting with the child for two interviews and then preparing a written report that reflects the child’s views and preferences in their own words as much as possible.
The completed report can then be used by parents and family law professionals, including lawyers, mediators, and the court, to better understand the child’s perspective.
A Hear the Child Report is not a parenting assessment, custody evaluation, or recommendation about parenting arrangements.
When a Hear the Child Report May Be Helpful
A Hear the Child Report may be considered when:
Parents are separating or divorcing
Parenting arrangements are being discussed or reconsidered
A family law matter is before the court
A family is participating in mediation or another dispute-resolution process
Parents or professionals want to ensure the child’s perspective is included in decisions affecting them
Referrals
Referrals are welcome from parents, lawyers, mediators, and other professionals involved in family law matters.
If you’re not sure whether a Hear the Child Report is the right fit for your situation, you’re welcome to reach out. I can explain my role, what the process involves, and what you can expect before you decide how to proceed.