Child Impact Reports
A preliminary report to assist in interim hearings and dispute resolution which details and analyses the current situation and wellbeing of the children.
Why are they ordered
To provide the Court and parties a preliminary analysis of the issues, parties positions and child's need with a focus on the current situation. The Court may use the report to decide on the direction of the matter.
When are they ordered?
Child Impact Reports may be requested early in the Court process to provide a snapshot of the family situation.
What is the assessment process?
The process is similar to a Full Family Report, however there is a focus on what has happened and brought the family to where they are now. Whereas the Full Report looks deeper at the parties and the children's needs and issues with a focus on what is in the best interests of the children in the future.
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For this reason, the interviews are shorter, other professionals or people are not consulted and the turn around time is closer to 4 weeks.
What happens with the assessment
Once the assessment is complete it is provided to the Court. The Court distributes it to the parties in the matter. The report is treated as highly confidential and only those whom the Court has agreed can view the report, may view it.