Voice of the Child Reports (VCRs), also known as Hear the Child Reports or Views of the Child Reports, are professional assessments in Canadian family law cases that provide the court and parents with a child's perspective on a parenting dispute. These reports are created by interviewing the child and aim to ensure their views are considered in decision-making by a neutral professional, helping adults understand the child's feelings and experiences about living arrangements and other matters.
When signs of alienation are present or of concern, Theresa is acutely aware of the importance of assessing the child’s credibility rather than accepting their statements at face value.
Depends on Age of Child; Age Ranges are historical and don’t reflect current Neuroscience
Views and preferences; probe rationale for the views and preferences; factual assertions of incidents and relative parenting issues
Early enough in the case for contesting evidence
Prior to Court Hearing disclosure of custody assessor and children’s lawyer’s and child protection authorities’ files – sometimes contested
Legislation requires soliciting views and preferences where they can be reliably ascertained; children should feel that they were part of the process (a voice but not a choice)
*Presentation to members of the Florida Bar
Brian Ludmer — December 22, 2022
Theresa is located in Winnipeg but provides services nationwide.
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