Care & Contact investigations and court reports
Care and contact assessments & investigations
Care & contact assessments are statutory investigations determining the best care and contact arrangements between the children concerned and all co-holders of parental rights. Social workers or other forensic practitioners are qualified to conduct care and contact assessments at the request of the court. Care and contact assessments are thorough reports considering the views, experiences, and recommendations of the children concerned, their parents, siblings, extended family, educators, peers, and any other key informants able to provide collateral information.
The collective account of all key informants, combined with the expressed wishes of the children and the theoretical and legal knowledge of the practitioner, allows for the practitioner to draw conclusions and make recommendations for a ruling that represents the best interests of the child or children (BIC) concerned.
These interests are informed by The Children’s Act No 38 of 2005 and thus, an acceptable care and contact Assessment is structured according to this Act. Whilst this list of legal considerations from The Children’s Act is by no means comprehensive (as subjective cases call for subjective clauses to be considered in the Act), it is foundational to the beginnings of a care and contact assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where would this service be applied?
Some divorces are particularly acrimonious, and in some instances, parents are unable to agree on the best interests of their children. In these cases, the Court needs the input of a professional. The court then appoints a social worker, or qualified psychologist, to assess and report back to the court.
Dr Spurrier assesses many aspects of the child or children’s lives and their parents’ lives and writes a comprehensive report which may contain, amongst many other points, recommendations to the court for the accommodation and visitation arrangements for the child or children.
What is Child Participation?
Every child that is of such an age, maturity, and stage of development has the right to participate in any matter concerning him/her. Views expressed by the child (also termed VOC or voice of the child) must be given due consideration.
What do these investigations cost?
The comprehensive nature of these investigations and the number of hours required to conduct interviews, analyse all the information, and write a full report can only be assessed and quoted on sight of specifications and timelines. This will also depend on expenses such as travel or collaboration with any other professionals.
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Have any questions? We are always open to talk about your needs and how we can help you.
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