Voice of the Child Assessment
Prioritising the Child’s Voice: Child Interview Evaluations (Section 10, Children’s Act)
In matters affecting children during separation or divorce in South Africa, their voices are paramount. As a dedicated Court-Annexed Mediator in Centurion, Gauteng, I offer specialized services to ensure the child’s perspective is heard and considered, adhering strictly to Section 10 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. I have 10 years of experience working with the honourable childrens court, social services, parents and attorneys.
This section explicitly grants every child, who is of suitable age, maturity, and developmental stage, the right to participate in matters concerning them, with their views given due consideration. To effectively facilitate this crucial aspect of family law mediation, I incorporate the highly respected Child Interview Evaluation (CIE) methodology, developed by leading South African experts Dr. Irma Schutte and Dr. Ronel Duchen.
What is the Child Interview Evaluation (CIE)?
The Child Interview Evaluation (CIE), often referred to as the “Voice of the Child” (VOC) interview, is a structured, child-friendly process designed to ascertain a child’s genuine views, feelings, and preferences regarding their living arrangements, contact with parents, and other matters directly affecting them. This non-intrusive and age-appropriate evaluation goes beyond simply asking direct questions. It utilizes specialized techniques to:
- Create a Safe and Neutral Space: Ensuring the child feels comfortable and free to express themselves without feeling pressured or influenced.
- Understand Their Lived Experience: Delving into the child’s daily routines, relationships, and emotional well-being within their family context.
- Assess Age and Maturity: Carefully considering the child’s developmental stage to give appropriate weight to their expressed views, as required by the Children’s Act.
- Identify Underlying Needs: Uncovering not just what a child says they want, but also the deeper needs and interests driving those desires.
Beyond Legal Proceedings: Identifying Risks and Challenges
While often used in legal contexts, the Child Interview Evaluation (VOC) is also a powerful tool for social workers and concerned parents seeking to understand a child’s well-being outside of court. Through this child-friendly and trauma-informed process, I can help identify potential risks and challenges a child may be facing.
This includes:
- Emotional Distress: Signs of anxiety, sadness, or other emotional difficulties.
- Social Difficulties: Challenges with peers, school, or other social environments.
- Safety Concerns: Any indicators of neglect, abuse, or unsafe situations that warrant further attention.
- Developmental Delays: Observations that might suggest a need for additional support or intervention.
The insights gained from these evaluations can be invaluable for early intervention, informing therapeutic support, or guiding parents and social workers in making decisions that proactively address a child’s needs and enhance their overall welfare.
My Comprehensive Child Interview Evaluation Process and Reporting for Court and Parents
My approach to the Child Interview Evaluation is thorough and designed to provide clear, actionable insights for both parents and the Court. The comprehensive process typically includes:
Preliminary Consultations: Discussions with parents (and their legal representatives, if applicable) to understand the family dynamics and specific issues requiring the child’s input.
Child-Centred Interviews: Multiple sessions with the child(ren) in a comfortable, neutral environment, utilizing the Dr. Irma Schutte and Duchen methodology. This ensures a holistic and accurate capture of their “voice.”
Detailed Report Generation: Following the interviews, I compile a professional, impartial, and comprehensive Child Interview Evaluation report. This report outlines:
The child’s expressed views and wishes.
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- An assessment of the child’s maturity and capacity to participate.
- Relevant observations regarding the child’s emotional state and well-being.
- Contextual information vital for understanding the child’s perspective.
- Reporting for Court and Parents: The report is meticulously prepared to be submitted to both parents and the Court. It serves as a vital tool for informing decision-making, helping to ensure that any parenting plan or court order ultimately serves the best interests of the child – the guiding principle of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005.
Why is a Professional Child Interview Evaluation Essential?
In family law disputes concerning children, relying solely on parental accounts can be incomplete. A professional Child Interview Evaluation is crucial because it:
- Fulfills Legal Requirements: Directly addresses the mandate of Section 10 of the Children’s Act for children’s participation.
- Provides Objective Insight: Offers an impartial perspective on the child’s feelings, free from parental bias.
- Facilitates Informed Decisions: Equips parents and the Court with critical information to create a parenting plan that truly supports the child’s well-being and development.
- Reduces Conflict: By giving the child a voice in a structured manner, it can often alleviate some of the tension and uncertainty for both the child and the parents.
- Identifies Early Interventions: Crucially, it can pinpoint risks and challenges, allowing for timely support for the child’s overall development and safety.
If your mediation case involves children and requires a sensitive, legally compliant, and insightful assessment of their views, or if you are a concerned parent or social worker seeking to understand a child’s experiences and potential challenges, my Child Interview Evaluation services offer the expertise you need.
Contact me today to learn more about how I can assist with Child Interview Evaluations in your mediation process or to support your child’s well-being in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
