Information for adults
Assessments and reports
What happens in the Assessment?
The Clinician will talk with you and your children about the situation that has brought you and members of your family to the Children’s Court. They want to listen to you.
What else might happen?
The Clinician might ask you to fill in forms with questions which will help them to do the Assessment and to understand you and your family better.
Who else will they talk to?
The Clinician may need to talk to other people about your situation. This might include people such as your child’s school teacher or a support service that helps you or other people in your family.
They will ask you who else you would like them to talk with.
How long will it take?
It will depend upon what the Assessment is about and how many people need to be seen.
The Clinician will give you some idea of how long it will take when the appointment is made.
What happens after the Assessment?
The Clinician will write an Assessment Report for the Children’s Court. It will cover the questions and concerns that the judicial officer, legal representatives and family have asked about.
The Report will provide information and also include recommendations to the Children’s Court to help the judicial officer make the best decision for the safety, welfare and wellbeing of the child or children.
Will I get to see the Report?
You will usually get to see the Report unless the judicial officer decides you should not see the Report, or parts of it, for any reason.
What if I don’t agree with the Report?
You should talk to your legal representative about this.
You will also have the opportunity to put your own information to the court in evidence and in affidavits.
What if I don’t attend?
If you do not attend your appointment with the Clinician, important information might not be available to the court.
Do I have to pay for the Report?
No. The cost of the Assessment Report is paid by the Children’s Court Clinic.
What if I have questions or concerns?
Contact the Children’s Court Clinic, either by phone or in writing at the email address on this pamphlet. The Children’s Court Clinic will deal with your concerns as quickly as possible and will let you know the outcome.