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Child-Centred Parenting Assessments

A thoughtful, balanced process focused on the wellbeing of children

Separation and family restructuring can be one of the most challenging times in a child's life. Parenting and family assessments are designed to support the court, parents and professionals in understanding a child's needs, experiences and developmental wellbeing so decisions can be made in the child's best interests.

Nikki's approach is grounded in:

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  • developmental science

  • attachment and trauma-sensitive practice

  • careful, balanced clinical assessment

  • respect for the dignity of every family member

  • a clear commitment to keeping children at the centre of the process

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These assessments are completed with neutrality, thoroughness and compassion

The child-centred philosophy

Children rarely have a voice in legal processes that shape their daily lives.

A central part of my work is ensuring children's experiences are:

  • carefully listened to

  • developmentally understood

  • contextualized within family relationships

  • represented respectfully in the final report

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This does not mean children are asked to make adult decisions. It means their emotional world and lived experiences are thoughtfully considered.

All assessments are not about choosing sides. It is about helping the court understand what children need most.

A respectful and careful experience

Family assessments can feel vulnerable and emotionally demanding. My intention is to create a process that is

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  • structured and clear

  • respectful to all parties

  • emotionally contained

  • focused on forward movement for children

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Even in the midst of conflict, it is possible to move toward decisions that reduce stress on children and support healthier family functioning over time. 

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Who this service is for

Client centred parenting assessments may be appropriate when:

  • the court has ordered a Section 211 (a) OR (b) OR (c) report

  • parents are in significant disagreement about parenting arrangements

  • concerns exist about a child's emotional, developmental or relational wellbeing

  • families are seeking a balanced professional perspective to guide next steps

If you are a parent, lawyer or professional seeking more information about these services, you are welcome to reach out to discuss

  • availability

  • scope of assessment

  • timelines

  • referral requirements

    Be The Change Counselling does not provide comprehensive ("full") S 211 parenting assessments. 

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Views of the child
&
Hear the child Reports

There are times when the court seeks to understand the views of the child without the need for a parenting assessment.

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These reports are either referred to as Section 211 (b) Views of the child reports or Hear the child reports. 

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Section 211 (b) reports can be ordered by a Judge or agreed to by parents and/or counsel without court involvement. These reports involve the child(ren) meeting with Nikki once and might involve minimal information from caregivers.

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Hear the child reports typically fall under section 37, 202 and 224(1)(b) of the BC Family Law Act. These reports may be ordered under S. 202(b) of the Family Law Act, or under S. 224(1)(b), as a specified service. 

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Nikki has been a roster member of the Hear The Child Society since 2019 and has prepared dozens of reports for the court.

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