Views of the Child Report

A Views of the Child report assists the court by indicating the views of the child or children. The assessor will meet with each parent but will not assess the parents. The purpose of the parental interviews is to gather background information.

The assessor will meet with the children alone and ask them relevant questions. Two interviews per child usually take place. The report writer will summarize their discussions with the children which generally include their concerns, likes and dislikes, and their views on parenting time. The assessor will indicate whether it appears that a child has been coached by either parent as to what to say to the interviewer.

The report writer will not make recommendations about parenting time or guardianship. The purpose is to provide the court with the child’s views.

family law assessments

Views of the Child


How do I prepare?

If you are involved in a family law matter and a Views of 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
  • Provide court documents, i.e., orders
  • The number of children involved
  • Whether a trial has been scheduled and if so, when
  • Date that the report is required by
  • Indicate whether the MCFD or RCMP have been involved with your family
  • 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?

Costs are based on the number of family members involved and the number of interviews 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.