The Voice of the Child Assessment service offers a dedicated approach to capturing the unique perspectives, feelings, and experiences of children involved in family legal matters. This assessment provides a respectful, child-centered approach to understanding how children feel about their care and contact arrangements, therefore allowing their voices to be heard within the legal process.
By creating a safe, age-appropriate environment, I help children express their views without pressure or bias, ensuring that their emotional and psychological well-being remains a priority.
Key elements of our Voice of the Child Assessments include:
- Child-Friendly Interview Techniques: I use age-appropriate methods to engage children, ensuring they feel comfortable and safe sharing their thoughts and experiences.
- Neutral, Unbiased Reporting: I capture the child’s words and emotions with fidelity and neutrality, ensuring that their perspective is presented without influence from other parties.
- Structured Observations and Interactions: Through interactions and structured observations, I gather insights into the child’s relationships with caregivers and other important figures in their life.
- Developmentally Sensitive Approach: Each assessment is tailored to suit the child’s developmental stage, understanding that children of different ages express themselves in unique ways.
The final assessment report, which reflects the child’s wishes, feelings, and key concerns, is carefully structured to inform the court in making child-centered decisions about care arrangements. These assessments support the child’s right to be heard, as outlined in international child welfare standards, while safeguarding their wellbeing throughout the process.
By placing the child’s voice at the forefront, our Voice of the Child Assessments provide an essential perspective in family matters, helping all parties understand and honor the child’s individual needs and experiences