Family reports and child impact statements: what are they?

October 28, 2022

What is a Child Impact/Family Report?

Where parents cannot agree on the arrangements to be put in place for the care of children, the preparation of a child impact report or family report can assist the parties and the Court to make decisions regarding the Children.

A report will consider the children’s age and development, connection with the parents, extended family circumstance and other relevant issues to a child’s right to have time with a parent. The report will also outline what arrangements or steps the parties can take which are in the best interests of the children.

A child impact report is a shorter more succinct report and will generally be ordered by a Court in the earlier stages of proceedings.

A family report is a more lengthy and comprehensive report and is more likely to be ordered when a case is moving towards a final hearing. A family report may also be arranged and paid for by the parents outside the Court system.

The person who prepares the child impact/family report, referred to as a family report writer or family consultant is an independent person and is usually a psychologist or a social worker with a focus and experience with child and family issues in the context of separation.

What will happen during the family report process?

The family report writer will interview each of the parents, any other significant member of the family, such as a step-parent, half or step-siblings or grandparents who may be heavily involved in the day-to-day care of the children.

Depending on the age and maturity of a child the family report writer may interview a child separately or they may conduct the interview with a parent present.

You should expect that the interview process will take place over the course of a day. You may also have an “in-take” session with the family report writer in the week before your interview. This is a chance for the family report writer to meet the parties and to start understanding the issues and family dynamics.

Do’s and Don’t of meeting with a family report writer

1. Be courteous and respectful.
2. Be yourself.
3. Don’t take offence to the questions that the family report writer asks you. They are trying to explore the family dispute. Even if you find what they say personally offensive, you should refrain from making personal remarks towards them.
4. Listen to the report writer’s questions and answer honestly and thoughtfully.
5. Be aware that the family report writer will be observing and assessing everyone for the entirety of the visit, including in the waiting room and the surrounds of the building.
6. Remain focused on the best interest of the children, even though this may conflict with what is your best interest or your feeling toward the other parent.
7. Never try to coach a child as to what you want them to say. The family report writer will be able to determine if a child has been coached. This process should give the children an opportunity to express their views if they wish to or are mature enough to express a view.
8. Take food and water and quiet activities for the children.
9. Remember everything you say to the family report writer is not confidential and all information gathered by the family report writer during the process can be used as evidence in your case.

If you have concerns with a parenting matter and need practical advice please contact a member of our Family Law team.