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Child Impact Assessments

A Child Impact Assessment (CIA) is a limited scope assessment setting out views and perspectives of the child/ren when a registrar or judge of a Court orders a report, usually in the early stage of court proceedings.

There are very specific parameters for this type of assessment:

  • Parents and child/ren interviewed / no observations;

  • Jointly agreed materials are strictly limited to 50 pages per party & excess costs apply over 100 page volume and to the upper volume limit of 300 pages.  Limits given are a firm boundary.

  • No subpoena materials are accepted;

  • Limited Terms of Reference, no exceptions:

a. any agreement reached between the parties;
b. identification of key issues requiring resolution;
c. any views expressed by the child and any matters (such as the child’s maturity or level of understanding) that would affect the weight that the court should place on those views;
d. the impact of the issues/dispute before the Court on the child;
e. any other matters that the Single Expert considers important to the welfare or best interests of the child.

  • If S60CC factors or any term of reference outside of the above are to be considered, the booking will be rejected.

  • 3 week production time.

  • Joint letter of instruction & orders required.

Both parents will have individual interviews and the Expert will also meet the child/ren and provide an opportunity for them to express their views to a skilled and neutral person in a comfortable space.

There may be a feedback component provided to the parents after interview, with guidance as to a ‘best interests approach’ to resolving their parenting matter.  This guidance will also form part of the written recommendations which will help a decision maker understand the experiences and needs of the child and the psychological and psycho-social considerations that may be important in future arrangements about their care.  

The Orders for the Expert appointment and report scope will be reviewed and written confirmation of acceptance by the Expert under their Terms of engagement for CIA will be provided, before the matter progresses to a reserved CIA booking for the Expert.

If you seek the terms of engagement, costs, availability and CV for any of our team, please fill out this form or contact us.