Voice of the Child Interview

Amplifying the voice of your child in decisions that affect them

Amplifying Children’s Voices in Family Decisions

At Toula Pleaner & Associates, we recognize that children are often the silent stakeholders in family law proceedings. Our Voice of the Child Interview service is designed to give children a platform to express their feelings, preferences, and concerns regarding family matters that affect them, such as custody arrangements and parenting plans. By prioritizing their voices, we ensure that decisions made are in the best interests of the child, while also providing valuable insights for parents and the court.

Our Child-Centered Approach

Understanding and interpreting a child’s perspective requires sensitivity, professionalism, and a deep respect for their autonomy. Our trained specialists conduct interviews in a manner that is comfortable and non-threatening, allowing children to express themselves freely and safely. We act as the bridge between the child’s world and the adult decisions being made, ensuring that the child’s voice is not just heard, but also considered thoughtfully.

The Importance of Listening:

Informed Decisions: Children’s insights can provide crucial context that informs better decision-making by parents and courts.
Empowerment: Allowing children a voice in the process acknowledges their importance and can help mitigate the emotional impact of family changes.
Reduced Conflict: Understanding children’s wishes can help focus parental discussions on the well-being of the child, often reducing conflict.

Ensuring a Safe Space

Our priority is the safety and comfort of your child. Interviews are conducted in a child-friendly environment, either in our offices designed with children’s needs in mind or in another agreed-upon safe space. We take every measure to ensure that the child feels secure, respected, and understood.

Expert Reporting

Following the interview, our specialists provide a comprehensive report that accurately reflects the child’s perspective. This report can be instrumental in guiding parental decisions and, when necessary, court judgments, always with the child’s best interests as the paramount concern.