Mediation Works

Hear The Child Society Roster

A Hear the Child report is a non-evaluative report that captures a child’s views during family justice processes. It ensures that the child’s voice is heard without providing any opinions, allowing their perspective to be considered in decisions affecting their best interests.

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Mediation Works

Hear The Child Society

Often the Courts will order a “Hear the Child Report” under s. 37 and 202 of the Family Law Act to be completed by a third party who is trained to interview children. The Report is a non-evaluative, which means there is no opinion given, but rather just the child’s views.
Hear the Child Reports – Arlene H. Henry Look at her introduction for Hear The Child. This will give you a better idea on how to elaborate.
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Hear The Child Society

The BC Hear the Child Society, established in late 2009, is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring that children have the opportunity to share their views during family justice decision-making processes. This society plays a crucial role in making sure that children’s best interests are considered by incorporating their voices into the decisions that affect them.

The society promotes the inclusion of children’s perspectives in family matters by maintaining a roster of trained, non-evaluative child interviewers. These professionals are skilled at listening to and understanding children’s views without judgment

Often the Courts will order a “Hear the Child Report” under s. 37 and 202 of the Family Law Act to be completed by a third party who is trained to interview children. The Report is a non-evaluative, which means there is no opinion given, but rather just the child’s views.

BC Hear The Child Society

Hear The Child Society Roster Member

I am a member of the Hear the Child Society Roster and trained in solution focused brief therapy as well as Signs of Safety Risk Assessment model, so the child is asked questions in three main categories:

  • What is working well for the child?
  • What are the worries right now? And
  • What needs to happen next?

Your Child Needs A Voice During Divorce

I will talk with each parent first to gather information on what the topics are that need the child’s input and then create questions to ask the child. Topics can include the child’s health and wellbeing; the nature of the relationships between the child and parent or others; the history of the child’s care; parenting time with each parent; family violence and the impact; and other day to day issues.
I am very passionate about including children in the decisions that impact them the most. I am skilled at moving from one category to another with ease so the child is comfortable and will often include games or arts/crafts with the children to ensure they are feeling less nervous and ready to participate. My experience in the child protection system allows me to dig into areas of concern with curious questions that identify what the child is thinking.
I offer child interviews in person or over Zoom, as per Hear the Child Society Guidelines. Legal Aid may cover all costs for families in need. Please call or email for more details.
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Example Child Interview Questions

Related Experience

My involvement with this organization allows me to utilize my skills in a meaningful way, ensuring that children’s perspectives are considered in the mediation process.

My experience as a social worker and family mediator has equipped me with the tools to effectively communicate and mediate in sensitive situations. I am committed to providing a safe space where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. By focusing on the child’s voice, I aim to facilitate resolutions that consider the best interests of the entire family.

Contact Shirley For A Hear The Child Report

I am qualified with Mediate BC to mediate child welfare disputes when the Ministry of Child and Family Development is involved.

Contact Shirley For A Report