Family reports and family report writers

What is a family report?

A family report gives the Court an independent view of a child’s life and needs. It can help parents and the Court consider future care arrangements.

The writer looks at the family’s circumstances and gives reasons for their views. A report may help resolve a dispute, but it does not decide the case.

Who writes a family report?

A family consultant is a psychologist or social worker with skills in child and family issues after separation. The Court must appoint them to that role.

The Court Children’s Service oversees two types of family consultant:

• Court Child Experts work for the Court.
• Panel Family Consultants are private practitioners appointed to do this work for the Court.

Court reports and private reports

The Court pays for reports prepared by its family consultants. The parents do not pay the consultant for that report.

Parents can also engage a private expert to assess the family. They usually pay for this work. An expert engaged for both parties may be called a single expert.

A private report is not managed by the Court Children’s Service. Some practitioners do both kinds of work. Check which role the writer has in your case.

Is a Child Impact Report the same thing?

A Child Impact Report is usually prepared early in a case. It focuses on the children’s experiences, needs and risks. It helps the Court decide how the case should move forward.

A Family Report is generally a more detailed assessment for a case moving towards a final hearing. Other expert reports may address a specific issue, such as a medical condition.

Read the court order to see which report is required. The purpose and steps can differ.

What does the report cover?

The report focuses on the children. The issues will depend on the family and the court order. They may include:

• Where the children live and how they spend time with each parent.
• Their relationships with parents, siblings and other important people.
• Their views, needs and stage of development.
• Each parent’s ability to meet those needs.
• Safety concerns, including family violence, abuse or drug and alcohol use.
• Family culture and other matters that affect the children’s care.

What happens at the appointments?

If the Court orders an assessment, you must attend as directed. Check the appointment details and raise any difficulty with the contact named in your letter.

The writer may speak with parents, children and other people involved in the children’s lives. They may also watch how a child and parent interact.

Tell the Court Children’s Service about safety concerns before you attend. Do not coach your child or tell them what to say.

Is the discussion confidential?

Information you give a family consultant is not confidential. It can be used as evidence. The consultant may also have duties to report concerns about a child’s safety.

Do not treat the assessment as an off-the-record chat. Ask your lawyer if you are unsure about the process or what you have been asked to provide.

What if you disagree with the report?

The judge considers the report with the other evidence. The judge does not have to accept its recommendations.

Read the report carefully and note any factual errors or concerns. Discuss them with your lawyer. Challenges to expert evidence are dealt with through the Court process, which may include questioning the writer in court.

Before showing the report to anyone else, get advice about the rules that apply. Do not post it online.

Your next step

Start with the court order and appointment letter. Note the report type, dates and contact person. Write down anything you need explained before the assessment.

For help with a parenting case, speak with a lawyer who handles parenting disputes. Magpie’s current services focus on property settlements, financial agreements, divorce and financial negotiations.