Voice of the Child Report

Recognizing and incorporating children’s voices into matters that impact them.

What is a Voice of the Child Report (VOC)?

A Voice of the Child Report may be ordered by a judge when there is a contentious matter involving parenting or, it may be requested by the parents involved.  Such a report, sometimes known as the Views of the Child Report, provides information about what the child thinks about his or her life and the issues in dispute between the parents to the court to assist in the decision-making process.  The report ensures that both parents have a neutral party helping them to hear their children’s voices.

Voice of the child reports may be prepared by a lawyer, social worker, psychologist or counsellor, who interviews the child.  The clinician’s role is to ascertain the independent views and preferences of the child and to provide these views in a formal report.  Unlike a report by the Office of the Children’s Lawyer or a section 30 parenting plan / custody assessment, this report is non-therapeutic and does not usually contain the professional’s opinion.  The intention of the report is to simply inform the judge or the parents about the views of the child on preferences for a particular access schedule, what extracurricular activities s/he wants to be involved with, whether or not s/he is comfortable with moving with one parent, where s/he wants to go to school, etc.

Having a parent that listens creates a child who believes he or she has a voice that matters in this world.
— Rachel Macy Stafford

What is considered in a Voice of the Child Report?

Both parents must consent to the report being prepared. While it is considered by the judge, it is not binding. Judges will generally consider such factors as: 

  • How clear the child’s wishes are.
  • How informed their input is.
  • The maturity and age of the child.
  • How strong the child’s wishes are.
  • How long a time the child has held those wishes.
  • The practicality of what the child is asking for.
  • The ability of the parents to provide adequate care.

  • Obtain background information about the child.

  • The influence of each of the parents on the child’s expressed wishes.

For more information, the Office of the Children’s Lawyer has prepared this Voice of the Child Report Information Sheet.

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What is considered in a Voice of the Child Report?

Both parents must consent to the report being prepared. While it is considered by the judge, it is not binding. Judges will generally consider such factors as: 

  • How clear the child’s wishes are.
  • How informed their input is.
  • The maturity and age of the child.
  • How strong the child’s wishes are.
  • How long a time the child has held those wishes.
  • The practicality of what the child is asking for.
  • The ability of the parents to provide adequate care.

  • Obtain background information about the child.

  • The influence of each of the parents on the child’s expressed wishes.

For more information, the Office of the Children’s Lawyer has prepared this Voice of the Child Report Information Sheet.