Section 211 Reports
In Family Law, a Section 211 Child's Needs Assessment is a process used by the courts to determine the best interests of a child in cases involving custody, access and parenting arrangements. The assessment is conducted by a professional with expertise in child development, or psychology and is typically ordered by the court to provide a comprehensive report on the child's needs and welfare.
The assessment involves gathering information about the child's physical, emotional, and developmental needs, as well as their family and social environment. The assessor may conduct interviews with the child, their parents or caregivers, and other individuals involved in their care, as well as review relevant documents and records.
The purpose of the Section 211 Child's Needs Assessment in family law is to provide the court with expert observations on what parenting arrangements would be in the child's best interests, based on their unique needs and circumstances. The assessment may include recommendations on the child's living arrangements, school, healthcare, and other aspects of their care.
Views of the Child Report vs Full Section 211 Report
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A Views of the Child Report and a Full Section 211 Report are both types of assessments ordered by the court to assist in making decisions related to custody and access in Family Law cases. However, there are several key differences between the two types of reports:
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1. Purpose: The purpose of a Views of the Child Report is to provide the court with the child's perspectives and feelings on their parenting arrangements, while the Full Section 211 Report is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the child's needs and welfare, and to potentially make recommendations for custody arrangements that are in the child's best interest.
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2. Scope: A Views of the Child Report is typically a brief assessment that focuses solely on the child's views, feelings, and concerns related to custody and access. In contrast, a Full Section 211 Report is a more comprehensive evaluation that considers the child's physical, emotional, and developmental needs, as well as their family and social environment.
3. Process: The process of preparing a Views of a Child Report is generally less formal than that of a Full Section 211 Report. The professional who prepares the Views of the Child Report will typically meet with the child in an informal setting, such as a playroom or an office, and will use age-appropriate techniques such as drawings, games or conversation to support the child in expressing their thoughts and feelings. A Full Section 211 Report involves a more formal process, including interviews with the child, their parents or caregivers, and other individuals involved in their care.
4. Length and Detail: A Views of a Child Report is typically a brief report that summarizes the child's views on custody and access, while a Full Section 211 Report is a more detailed report that evaluates the child's needs and welfare, and may include recommendations for the arrangements.
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Both reports are not a decision-making tool, but rather a source of information that the court can consider when making decisions about custody and access. The report is confidential, and only the parties and their lawyers can access it, unless the court orders otherwise.