Parenting coordination
Parenting coordination
the family-friendly way of dealing with parenting disputes
Child participation assessments
voice of the child
Child participation in matters concerning the child is mandatory in South Africa.
Child participation within a professional, ethical environment gives children an opportunity to express their individual socio-emotional feelings, needs, views and opinions within the family context, when decisions that will impact them are made.
The child specialist conducts the child participation assessment sessions in accordance with section 9 of the Children’s Act, which provides that in all matters concerning the care, protection and well-being of a child the standard that the child’s best interest is of paramount importance must be applied.
The assessment is usually completed during a two-hour session (either once off or over two hour-long sessions), depending on the
age and developmental stage of the child.
The assessment techniques implemented are aimed at stimulating rapport with the child by facilitating a discussion of the child’s socio-emotional functioning, perceptions and emotional experiences in the important systems in his/her life and in the context of the family setting.
During the assessment, a holistic approach is followed. The systems evaluated include school and peer group relationships, relationships with parents and siblings, the child’s experience of his/her relationship with parents/caregivers/significant others, relationships in which the child might be experiencing discomfort, attachment to parents/caregivers, and personality functioning and temperament.
The purpose of the assessment is to minimise parental disagreements and conflict, identify any different factors that contribute to the child’s current experiences, understand the possible risks faced by the child, and help parents to understand their child’s needs, wants and emotional well-being, address problems, and empower them to find appropriate outcomes, in the interests of the child.
After the assessment session(s) with the child, a feedback session is scheduled during which verbal feedback regarding the findings and recommendations is provided. The feedback process is confidential.