Our Services
Voice of the Child Report
A child-centred assessment that ensures children's perspectives and wishes are heard during family law proceedings.
What Is a Voice of the Child Report?
A Voice of the Child Report (VCR) is a formal assessment conducted by a qualified mental health professional to capture and communicate a child's views, wishes, and feelings during parental separation or custody proceedings.
The report is prepared for use in family court or mediation and is designed to give children a meaningful voice in decisions that directly affect their lives — without placing them in the middle of adult conflict.
Our therapist meets with the child in a safe, neutral, and child-friendly environment. The process is age-appropriate, trauma-informed, and conducted with the child's emotional wellbeing as the top priority.
How the Process Works
Referral & Consent
Both parents (or legal guardians) must consent to the assessment. A referral can come from a lawyer, mediator, or directly from the family.
Initial Consultation
Our therapist reviews background information and speaks briefly with each parent separately to understand the family context — without taking sides.
Child Interview(s)
The child meets with the therapist in a comfortable, neutral setting. Sessions are age-appropriate and use play-based and conversational techniques to help the child express themselves freely.
Report Preparation
The therapist prepares a written report summarizing the child's expressed views, wishes, and any relevant observations — presented in a clear, balanced, and professional manner.
Report Delivery
The completed report is provided to the requesting parties (lawyers, mediators, or the court) as directed. The therapist may also be available to clarify findings if required.
Important to Know
The VCR reflects the child's expressed views — it is not a custody recommendation or a determination of parenting fitness.
Both parents must provide written consent before the assessment begins.
The child is never asked to choose between parents or take sides.
All sessions are conducted in a trauma-informed, child-friendly manner.
The report is a professional document intended for legal or mediation use.
Fees apply and are typically shared between both parties — contact us for current rates.
Who Conducts the Assessment
Ann Tichelaar Swerdfeger
Registered Psychotherapist & Certified Play Therapist
Ann has over 25 years of experience working with children, families, and the complexities of parental separation. As a Certified Play Therapist with specialized training in Animal Assisted Play Therapy and extensive experience in attachment and parent-child interaction, Ann is uniquely qualified to conduct Voice of the Child assessments in a compassionate, child-centred way.
- Certified Play Therapist
- Masters of Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy
- Parental Separation & Adoption specialist
- Attachment & Parent-Child Interaction
Inquire About a Voice of the Child Report
To discuss whether a VCR is appropriate for your situation, or to begin the referral process, please reach out to us directly.