Voice of the Child Report
What is the Voice of the Child Report (VCR)?
A Voice of the Child Report is a report prepared for the parents (and the court), after meeting with the child or children of parents who are separated. The purpose is to assist in the resolution of Parenting Plans. Any party (parents or guardians) can request the preparation of a VCR at any point in the process of dispute resolution or litigation. They can also be court ordered. However, it is at the discretion of the Professional and child whether they are completed.
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A Voice of the Child Report helps the parents learn the child(ren)'s views and preferences for consideration and negotiation, mediation, litigation and other dispute resolution processes between parents/guardians. A VCR can be very useful in the early stages of separation to allow the parents to gain a better understanding of the child(ren)'s views and assist with settlement. Even if the parenting plan changes over time, parenting plans in place soon after the separation typically help to reduce conflict and improve the situation for the child.
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Most parents appreciate hearing their child(ren)'s views and preferences and agree that it is in the children's best interests to be heard. Parent's often appreciate that the Report is about what their child(ren) had to say and is not a full assessment about the strengths and limitations of each parent's parenting abilities.
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VCR's can be most useful when there are no complex "clinical" issues (e.g. mental health, addictions, child abuse etc.) If complex concerns exists, it may be more appropriate to have an in depth parenting plan assessment where the child(ren)'s voices are also heard.
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In confidential interviews, the practitioner allows the child(ren) to determine what information will be shared with the parents and what information will not be shared. Such assurances of confidentiality can encourage the child(ren) to be more comfortable and more open to sharing. Most child(ren) want their voices heard and considered. However, the child(ren) may not want to share anything and we must respect them and their choice.
FAQs
When is a VCR not appropriate?
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A VCR is not appropriate if the practitioner or child decide that it is not.
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A VCR is not completed when there are criminal charges against a parent and where the child might have to testify in a criminal court or for any other legal reasons that may interfere with the process.
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A VCR is not completed if a clinical investigation or a parenting plan has been completed within the last year unless something significant has changed or is pending.
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We do not completed a VCR if there are repercussions to the child for participating.
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What do I tell my child about it?
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You don't need to say much.
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What you should say must be simple and not about the other parent or what you want.
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You want to show that you are supportive of the child sharing their own thoughts and feelings and not those of either parent.
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You should not blame the other parent or say bad things about the other parent.
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Do not ask the child to keep secrets.
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Don't talk about the court or influence your child or force the child to give information.
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Don't promise your child something for participating or sharing certain information.
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And, do not influence or threaten the child.
Do both parents need to consent to a VCR?
Yes, a VCR will only be completed if both parties (parents/guardians) consent and there is consent for participation from the child or children.
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What might you say?
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"Your _________ and I (or judge) thought it may be helpful for you to meet with a special person who meets with children when their parents separate or divorce. This person would like to know what your thoughts and feelings are so that person can help us to come up with a plan that works for everyone"
"You won't be asked to choose between us"
"It gives you an opportunity to share with someone other than us, where you can say what you want to say"
"The special person will only tell us (or the Judge) what you want us to know"
How does it occur?
The practitioner will determine with each parent, where and when the meetings will take place. There should be at least two meetings with each child. Children are seen individually and not with siblings in the room. Typically the meetings are one hour or less each time. The parent/guardian may sit in the waiting room, or if the interviews are completed online, the parent must remain in the waiting area where they are not listening to the interview. The child must be afforded privacy.
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What do I do when the meeting is completed?
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Don't ask the child what was asked of them or what he/she/they said.
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The practitioner will write a Voice of the Child Report or share the information verbally. The practitioner will only share what the child agrees to share.
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What is shared with the parents/guardians is at the discretion of the child, and the practitioner. If there are any concerns that what is shared may be detrimental to the child, the practitioner may terminate the process and/or not share information.