The Court has made an Order for you to participate in a child impact report, so what is a child impact report?
A child impact report is a report ordered by the Court, that provides information bout the needs of the children involved in Court proceedings. The purpose of the report is to provide the Court and the parents with information about the children, their experiences, and their needs, in the context of the dispute before the Court.
The report is prepared by a Court Child Expert, who is a qualified psychologist or social worker. Court Child Experts are employed by the Court and have significant experience working within the Court system and with children from separated families.
The child impact report interviews generally occur in 2 parts over separate days. Part 1 includes interviews with each of the parents, and Part 2 includes an interview of the child or children, so long as the children are of an appropriate age and stage of development. The interviews are fully reportable, which means that nothing that you raise with the Court Child Expert is confidential.
When the Court Child Expert meets with parents and children, they may explore issues including:
1. The current care arrangements for the children;
2. The proposed care arrangements;
3. The child’s relationships with their parents, siblings, and other family members;
4. The presence or risk factors, including family violence, drug or alcohol use;
5. The presence of any mental health issues;
6. The child/dren’s age and development needs; and
7. Any other factor that the Court Child Expert identifies as important, given the circumstances.
Following the interviews, the Court Child Expert will prepare a report. The report will be provided to the Court and then released to the parties. Once the report is released, it is not to be shared or shown to any other person, without the Court’s permission. Its contents will be considered by the Judicial Officer hearing the case and it will form one of the parts of evidence in the case at a Final Hearing.
If you are involved in parenting litigation it is important to obtain specialist advice from those qualified to assist you.
To make an appointment with a member of our team please contact our office on (02) 6225 7040 or by email on info@rmfamilylaw.com.au or get started now online to make an appointment with one of our experienced family lawyers.
Author: Ellen Russell