Child Custody and Hear the Child Reports

The purpose of a custody/access report is to conduct an impartial, objective assessment of the family for the purpose of assisting the family, or the court,  in coming to a decision regarding parenting time which will best meet the needs of the children. The social worker is obligated to focus on the best  interests of the children at all times in developing this plan. 

Often called a parenting assessment, custody and access report, or Section 211 report (in many Canadian provinces)—is a detailed, professionally prepared document that helps the court understand a family’s situation and determine what parenting arrangement best supports the child’s well‑being. The report typically includes:

• Background and family history
  Information about the parents, the child, and any significant events or concerns affecting the family.
   
• Parent and child interviews
  Separate interviews with each parent, discussions with the child (if appropriate), and sometimes interviews with extended family or other important caregivers.
   
• Parent–child observations
  Structured observation sessions to understand parenting styles, communication patterns, and the child’s comfort level with each parent.
   
• Collateral information
  Input from teachers, counsellors, doctors, or other professionals involved with the child.
   
• Document review
  Relevant records such as school reports, medical records, prior court orders, and communication logs.
   
• Analysis of key factors
  Assessment of the child’s developmental needs, each parent’s capacity to meet those needs, co‑parenting ability, and any safety or stability concerns.
   

The goal is to give the court a reliable, child‑focused report to guide fair and informed decisions.

Please contact for pricing and availability 

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.

Hear the Child reports may be ordered under s. 202(b) of the Family Law Act, or under s. 224(1)(b), as a specified service. If a Hear the Child report has already been prepared, it can be admitted to the court under s. 202(a) of the Family Law Act.

I am a trained, neutral professional hired to listen to children and provide written reports of their views to decision-makers and others involved in family law cases where the child’s best interests are being determined. I do not assess the child or the parents, but rather reports the child’s views, usually verbatim, so that the views can be heard and considered by the adults making decisions about the child’s best interests. 

Please reach out for details and pricing