Sec. 211 Reports
(Formerly Custody and Access Reports)
When a parenting agreement cannot be reached, the court may seek the professional opinion of a counsellor or psychologist qualified to perform child evaluations. A section 211 (Family Law Act) report is the product of gathering and evaluating information regarding the children’s needs and their parents’ capacity to meet those needs. Recommendations are made to help the court determine the children’s best interests. Since most of these cases do not proceed to trial, these recommendations are often helpful for parents to reach out-of-court settlements.
A Sec. 211 report can be using in the following situations:
· Defining parenting time or contact.
· Allocating parental responsibilities.
· Determining the child’s perspectives.
· Special needs of the children.
· Lifestyle and value differences.
· Compromised capacity due to parental mental health or addiction issues.
· Relocation.
The assessment goals may include:
· Identify the developmental needs of the children.
· Identify the strengths, vulnerabilities, and needs of all members of the family.
· Identify the positive and negative family interactions.
· Develop a plan for parenting and time with children utilizing the strengths of everyone that will serve the best interests of the children and within those parameters, the wishes and interests of the parents, and in most situations provide them with opportunities to share in the upbringing of the children.
· Provide the court, parents, and lawyers with recommendations and supporting data.
Frank can be contacted at 250-600-7598 or via email at frankmorven@gmail.com and he would be happy to answer any questions.