Why Is A Family Report Required?
The court or an Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL) may want to obtain an independent Family Report to assist them understand what issues are impacting on the children and the family. These reports are completed and provide information about members of the family and guides the court to make decisions about what is in the best interests of your child/ren. As a family report writer I want to make sure you have the opportunity to speak to someone independent so your views and wishes and information about the family can be documented.
Many parent’s and solicicitors choose to have a Family Report completed to ensure all the available and appropriate information is provided to the court in a concise succinct format. Quotes can be provided very quickly and fees are determined on the complexity of the report and the needs of the family.
Sources Of Information
The reports contain;
- information about each parent, their role and their responsibilities in parenting.
- information about each child and what time they spend with each parent and extended family and those significant in their lives.
- information about any disorders, behavioural or medical conditions that may impact on the parenting.
- any safety issues for the family.
- information about services and supports the family have used or are currently accessing.
How Do I Obtain This Information?
- interviews with the parents and extended family.
- interviews with the children.
- observations of the children separately with each parent (I am supervising this time myself and children are not left alone with a parent during this process).
- the information already filed in the court.
- any services you are accessing.
How Can You Prepare For The Report Process?
- It is best if this process is as transparent as possible.
- Think about what is in the best interests of the children.
- You can tell children they are going to be speaking with someone that will help the family work out the issues of concern and they should be honest and open and not feel unsafe.
- The parent who is primarily caring for the children will need to have someone attend with them to care for the children while the parent is being interviewed.
- As a report writer I have lots of activities and toys for the children to engage with during the observation period but if the child has a specific toy they feel safe with, by all means bring that along.
When It’s Finished?
- The report is provided back to the lawyer or ICL who requested the report and they will provide a copy to the parties in the proceedings. If the matter cannot be resolved I may be required to give evidence at a final hearing.
- The report will be seen by the court, the ICL (if one is appointed), the parent’s and their lawyers. No one else if provided or shown a copy of the report.
Safety Concerns?
Sometimes there are concerns for a parent or child’s safety due to domestic or family violence. It is important that I know of these concerns and appointments are made to ensure that no one’s safety is placed at risk through this process.
Cultural Concerns?
If English is not your primary language, I will always ensure an interpreter is used to assist you understand this process. Please advise me if this is required.