Voice of the Child Report
The Kawartha Family Court Assessment Service also provides Voice of the Child Reports (VCR), which are prepared by qualified clinical social workers. VCRs can be Court ordered or completed at the request of the child’s parents. Once completed, the report is provided to the parties’ lawyers and if ordered, to the Court.
A VCR is a report of the child’s views, wishes, preferences and concerns. Children have the right to express their views in matters and proceedings that affect them, such as parenting time and decision-making disputes. Typically, a child is at least 7 years of age, to participate in a VCR. Knowing a child’s views can help parents settle parenting disputes in the best interests of their child. It can also be helpful to the Court to know what a child is thinking and experiencing.
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Referral Form – please complete this form in its entirety before submitting it to our office, including contact information and outline of the parenting time/decision making issues. Click here: VOC – Referral Consent Form.
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Financial Undertakings – these forms are required to arrange for payment of the report and must be completed before the process begins:
VOC Undertaking – full cost (if paying for the full cost yourself).
VOC Undertaking – half cost (if sharing the cost with your children’s other parent).
A VCR is not an assessment, investigation or an evaluation. VCRs do not provide opinions or recommendations. A VCR only shares what the child wants shared.
The cost of these reports is $1800 for the first child and $500 for each additional child.
Below, you will find the most up to date forms and paperwork to begin the Voice of the Child report process: