Voice of the Child Practitioner Services
Empowering Children’s Voices in Legal Proceedings
Understanding the “Voice of the Child” Interview
Navigating legal processes can be confusing and overwhelming for children. The “Voice of the Child” interview provides a safe, confidential and supportive environment where a trained professional engages sensitively with a child. The goal is to capture and communicate the child’s authentic experiences, emotions and wishes in a balanced, unbiased and developmentally appropriate manner.
We utilise the comprehensive “Child’s Voice Toolkit,” expertly developed by Dr Ronel Duchen and Mrs Irma Schutte, ensuring each child’s perspective is represented accurately and respectfully.
This toolkit is versatile and effective in various contexts:
- Emotional and psychological assessments
- Family evaluations and interventions
- Child and family therapy sessions
- Group therapeutic sessions for children
- Capturing children’s views and wishes during mediation
- Representation in legal proceedings, including Children’s Court cases (e.g., Form 38 investigations)
- Foster placement evaluations and monitoring
- Child-focused risk assessments
Grounded in Law: Section 10 of the Children’s Act
“Every child that is of such an age, maturity and stage of development as to be able to participate in any matter concerning that child has the right to participate in an appropriate way and views expressed by the child must be given due consideration.”
Partnering for Children’s Voices
Whether you’re a parent navigating family dynamics, an attorney advocating in complex cases, a mediator seeking balanced outcomes, or a social worker managing sensitive assessments, I am here to support you professionally, compassionately and in full compliance with legal standards.
Connect today to explore how I can support your efforts to uphold each child’s fundamental right to be heard and understood.