What happens at a short form report?

The adults are interviewed about your relationship history and what you believe are the needs of your children given what has occurred so far in your separation. The children may be interviewed if they are old enough to understand the short form report process. They might be observed with you and your ex-partner separately. Decisions about observations or the children’s interviews are made on the day by the report writer. The purpose of the short form report is to provide professional input into the immediate parenting arrangements to be made and any supports that might be needed.

What happens at a Family Report interview ?

The parties in your matter, which might include grandparents or other guardian’s of children are interviewed. The documents that you have filed describing what has occured in your relationship and separation will have been read before the interviews. Your children will be interviewed in a way that gives them an opportunity to have a voice about their care into the future. Other professionals who may be supporting you or your children may be contacted with your written permission. Documents that have been subpeonaed may be read.

Observations of you interacting with your children would usually take place unless there is a clinical reason not to do so.