When parents separate or divorce, decisions need to be made that will have a significant impact on their children. Finding ways to include children’s thoughts and preferences in the process can provide a perspective about what is going on for them and often resolve parenting disputes.
There are various ways to include a child’s voice in a settlement process. An effective way to include children’s views and preferences in separation and divorce proceedings is through a Voice of the Child Report (VOC).
This process can also be referred to as a Views and Preferences of The Child Report.
VOC reports are a less intrusive and stressful process for a child.
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What is a Voice of the Child Report?
A Voice of the Child Report is a non-evaluative report prepared for parents or the Court after meeting with the children of parents who have separated. The purpose of it is to assist in the resolution of parenting plans. Any party (parent/guardian), lawyer or Judge can request a Voice of the Child Report at any point in the process of dispute resolution or litigation. Alternatively, a VOC may also occur without court involvement, if all parties consent for the children being involved in the process. For example, in a family mediation process, a Voice of the Child report can be requested and prepared for the mediation.
A Voice of the Child Report can help parents learn their child’s views, preferences, perspectives about their family situation and feelings about their future. During this process, children will have the opportunity to express themselves and feel heard. The information that they share in the report can be helpful and important to consider in negotiations, mediation, litigation and other dispute resolution processes between parents/guardians. The child’s views are often influential in shaping a decision for a child and developing an appropriate parenting plan. However, children should be told during the process that their views and preferences will be heard and considered, but that does not mean all their wishes will be fulfilled. Children are often happy that their voices are heard and considered in the process.
A Voice of the Child report can be particularly useful in early stages of separation to allow the parents/guardians to gain a better understanding of the child’s views and ideas and assist with a settlement. Even if the parenting plan changes overtime, parenting plans in place soon after the separation typically help to reduce conflict and improve the situation.
During the reporting process, a qualified professional interviews the child and reports back the child’s views on specific issues. One of the most important parts of this practice is that the professional preparing the voice of the child report has expertise in working with and interviewing children.
Interviews touch on topics like:
- the child’s preferred residence
- preferred school,
- his/her views on parenting time arrangements,
- reconnecting with an estranged parent
- and any additional matters where the child’s views need to be heard.
A Voice of the Child (VOC) Report does not provide recommendations based on these interviews; the VOC is only intended to clarify the child’s opinions and feelings about issues directly affecting them. All parties, including the courts and parents, receive a final copy of the VOC report.
“A Voice of the Child report can be particularly useful in early stages of separation to allow the parents/guardians to gain a better understanding of the child’s views and ideas and assist with a settlement.“
The Benefits of the Voice of the Child Report
VOC reports are a less intrusive and stressful process for a child than other processes, such as judicial interviews (speaking to a judge directly) or being part of a Parenting Evaluation. Children are typically not distressed by having to speak to a clinician/professional who is preparing the VOC report. The children involved benefit from the report as they will be expressing their thoughts and perspectives in a safe and comfortable environment. Children often appreciate being heard.
Parents and guardians also appreciate hearing what their child has to say and agree that it is in the child’s best interest to be heard. For parents, it is often tough to figure out a child’s thoughts, feelings, or opinions on the matter. These reports, which are presented to parents when complete, paint a clearer picture of how their matter directly affects their child or children. This added perspective is a huge benefit to overall dispute resolution processes.
Toronto Family Therapy is Here to Help
Any time there are courts or lawyers involved in family decision-making, it can be an overwhelming process. At Toronto Family Therapy & Mediation Inc., our qualified social worker, psychotherapists and therapy professionals have experience helping families navigate a number of legal processes.
Our Voice of The Child process at Toronto Family Therapy & Mediation
Introduction Conference Call with Counsel
We typically start our process with a brief conference call with counsel to ensure the appropriate fit of the VOC report for the family and obtain an understanding of each parties’ concerns, objectives, reporting timelines and any other information.
A VOC Retainer Agreement
A VOC Retainer Agreement will be provided to the parents/guardians for review and signature. A typical VOC reporting process may take approximately 10-12 hours to complete, if only 1-2 children are involved, however more time may be required depending on the circumstances of the family dynamics, involvement or if additional children are involved.
Intake Questionnaires and Initial Interviews
Once the parties have formally agreed to proceed with the VOC Report, Intake questionnaires will be provided to each of the parents for completion. Once received, our experienced workers will conduct initial individual interviews with each of the parents.
Child(ren) Interviews
Each child will have two individual interviews with the assigned worker, at our in-person offices. The two interviews will be spaced approximately 1-3 weeks apart and each parent will have the opportunity to bring the child(ren) to their interview to ensure balance and consistency within the process. The Parents do not participate in the child interviews.
VOC Report
Upon completion of all of the family interviews the VOC report will be prepared and provided to Counsel for them to discuss with the parents. The overall process may take approximately 6 – 8 weeks to complete, depending on overall availability of the worker, the parents cooperation and flexibility to complete the process, and the number of children involved in the process.
Contact Toronto Family Therapy & Mediation to learn more about our services and process and how we can help initiate the VOC Report process for you and your family.
Do you need a “Voice of the Child” report?
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