Voice of the Child Report (VCR)

VOC reports help parents learn about their child’s views, perspectives, and preferences for consideration when making decisions and plans about parenting time and decision-making following separation and divorce. VCRs can be helpful for moving forward whether in mediation or in Court. VCRs can also be helpful as the child gets older and parts of the parenting plan need to be updated.

A trained VCR practitioner meets with children using a very specific process designed to do no harm. Children work with a neutral professional that provides a safe and confidential space so they can voice their fears, concerns, and preferences. Children learn that their voice is important but that decisions are for their parents. Children maintain control over their own information in a VCR, which means they choose which information the VCR practitioner will share with their parents.

VCRs are limited in scope and are not an assessment, or a substitute for an assessment where this is needed. The VCR practitioner usually does not review collateral information and does not provide recommendations.

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