Subscribe
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Voice of the Child Reporting
Voice of the Child Reports: Giving Children a Say in Family Matters
When parents separate, decisions about where children will live and how they’ll spend time with each parent can be difficult and emotional. Understandably, children also have feelings, preferences, and questions about these changes—but they’re often left out of the conversation. A Voice of the Child Report helps change that.
What is a Voice of the Child Report?
A Voice of the Child Report is a neutral, child-focused report that shares a child’s views and preferences during a separation or family law matter. It gives children a safe, supportive space to speak with a trained professional—such as a therapist, social worker, or lawyer—who will listen and document what the child wants to share.
The child is not asked to make decisions. Instead, their thoughts are respectfully gathered and presented in a clear and balanced way to help inform their parents, lawyers, and sometimes the court.
Why is it important?
Children want to be heard. Research shows that having their voice included in family decisions can help children feel less anxious, more informed, and better able to cope with the changes in their family. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child also supports the idea that children should be heard in decisions that affect them.
A Voice of the Child Report offers a way for children to be heard—without having to speak in court or feel pressure to take sides.
How does it work?
The process is simple and respectful. A neutral professional meets with the child, usually once in the care of each parent, to hear their views in a safe setting. The child is free to decide what they’d like to share. The adult preparing the report focuses only on the child’s voice—not on offering opinions or making recommendations.
Once complete, the report can be used to help guide parenting decisions. It is especially useful in cases where both parents want to make sure their child’s voice is considered fairly and without bias.
Who pays for it?
Unlike full custody assessments or reports from the Office of the Children’s Lawyer (which are limited and publicly funded), Voice of the Child Reports are typically paid for by the parents. However, they are usually much more affordable and can be completed more quickly than a full assessment.
When is it helpful?
A Voice of the Child Report is ideal when:
- Parents want to understand their child’s feelings during a separation.
- The child is mature enough to express their views.
- There are no serious concerns such as abuse, coercion, or high conflict.
In higher-risk cases or where there’s significant disagreement, other more in-depth assessments might be more appropriate.
How we can help
At The Story Isn’t Over, we offer Voice of the Child Reports as part of our commitment to child-focused family support. Our trained professionals approach each child with care, neutrality, and respect. We help families make more informed, compassionate decisions that consider the needs of everyone—especially the youngest voices in the room.
Interested in learning more or booking a consultation? We’re here to help. Contact us to explore whether a Voice of the Child Report is right for your family.
