That right is recognized in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Canada has ratified (Article 12), and in the Divorce Act, the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, and the Children’s Law Reform Act.
Hearing the child can give parents a more accurate understanding of the child’s needs and wishes, while the professional works with the parents to lower conflict as they consider what the child has said. Parents often present opposing pictures of those needs and wishes. A voice of the child report can ease that problem and help parents focus on the child’s wellbeing.
Children often want a voice. They do not want to be the ones who decide the parenting plan.
Stephen, as a neutral third party, can bring the child’s wishes into mediation, arbitration, or litigation. The opportunity is there if the child chooses to use it.
How it unfolds
Stephen asks each parent to bring the child or children to his office, where he spends time getting to know them. Sometimes an observation visit happens in each parent’s home before the individual interviews.
Before a written report is prepared, Stephen may meet with the parents and the lawyers to give verbal feedback about the child’s views, wishes, and preferences on parenting issues. He has particular expertise in understanding those views, explaining them, and placing them in context for the child’s developmental age and stage. He shares the child’s authentic voice.
He has extensive experience interviewing children from preschool age through the teenage years, including children with autism, learning or developmental disabilities, behavioural or mental health issues, and physical disabilities.