Hear the Child Report

A Hear the Child Report is a non-evaluative report which expresses children’s views in separation and divorce cases. The Interviewer does not assess the child, his or her best interests, or the parents. The interviewer’s job is to relay the child’s views to adult decision-makers. It is a verbatim account of the children’s views. It is used to help the courts and parents to determine a child’s best interests by considering the child’s views.

Hear the Child Reports are supported by Sections 37, 202 and 224(1)(b) of the BC Family Law Act. Section 37 of the Act directs that, in making decisions about parenting arrangements or contact with a child, a decision-maker must consider only the best interests of the child. This section states that, “a child’s views must be considered unless inappropriate to do so”.

family law assessments

Hear the Child Report


How do I prepare?

If you are involved in a family law matter and a Hear the Child Report has been ordered, be prepared to provide the assessor with the following information:

  • The consent of all parties
  • The contact information of family members and all involved parties
  • The number of children involved
  • Whether a trial has been scheduled and if so, when
  • Date that the report is required by
  • Provide cost-sharing arrangements

At the onset, you will be required to complete and sign the following:

  • Consent for service
  • Intake form

Parental consent by both parents must be given, unless otherwise ordered by a judge. An evaluator will not complete an assessment without consent. Not only do both parents need to consent to the completion of the report, but they must also agree on which assessor to work with. If you are working with lawyers, they will provide a letter to the assessor which provides basic information about your case.

What does it cost?

The cost of a Hear the Child report is the least costly of the three reports. Costs are based on the number of children to be interviewed and the number of meetings needed.

work with lisa for your report needs

Lisa Low

Clinical Director, M.ed, RCC

  • 20+ Years experience, specializing in family assessments and Section 211 Reports
  • Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Clinical Counsellor Association (BCACC)
  • Member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
  • Roster member of the BC Hear the Child Society *

* The BC Hear the Child Society is a non-profit organization that aims to give every child the opportunity to share their views and have them heard when their best interests are decided in the family justice system. Roster members are approved by the society and consist of trained, neutral professionals who listen to children and provide written reports of their views to decision-makers and others involved in family law cases in which the child’s best interests are being determined.

your family matters.