Voice of the Child Reports
Independent voice of the child reports for Irish courts, ordered under Section 32(1)(b) of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 or Section 27 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018. We convey children's views using age-appropriate, play-based methods.
What Is a Voice of the Child Report?
A report that conveys the child's views
A voice of the child report is ordered by the court so that a child's own views can be heard. The court appoints an expert to determine and convey those views. It is ordered under section 32(1)(b) of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 (as inserted by section 63 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015), or under section 27 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018.
It is different from a child welfare report, which looks at any question affecting the child's welfare. Welfare reports are ordered under section 32(1)(a) of the 1964 Act or section 47 of the Family Law Act 1995. HAPii also provides these: see our Section 32 assessments and Section 47 assessments.
Voice of the child reports are also called:
- Section 32(1)(b) reports
- Section 32 B reports
- Section 27 reports
When a Court Orders One
Section 32(1)(b)
The court can appoint an expert to determine and convey a child's views in proceedings for custody of, access to, or guardianship of a child.
Section 27
A voice of the child report can also be ordered under the Domestic Violence Act 2018.
If you are a parent, speak to your solicitor about whether a report may be requested in your case.
Who Can Write a Report
Who the court can appoint
The court appoints a suitably qualified expert. The Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 (Child's Views Experts) Regulations 2018 set out which professions and what experience are required. These include psychologists and social workers.
HAPii
HAPii's independent social workers and psychologists are eligible to be appointed to carry out voice of the child reports. You can read about the team on our team page.
How HAPii Hears the Child
Understanding each child
The assessor considers the child's maturity and whether the child is able to form their own views before reporting them to the court.
Age-appropriate, play-based communication
Children express themselves in different ways at different ages. Our assessors use age-appropriate, play-based and creative methods where needed, so each child can take part at their own pace.
A clear report for the court
The report sets out the child's views, either generally or on the specific questions the court has asked, in clear, accessible language.
The Process
Referral and court order
You contact HAPii with the court order. We review the questions the court has asked and any timelines it has set.
Confirmation
We confirm availability, timelines and the fee structure within 2 working days. Work begins when we hold the court order and signed consents.
Meeting the child
The assessor meets the child using age-appropriate methods, and speaks with parents or carers as the order requires.
Report to the court
A written report is sent to the court within the timeframe the court has set.
Why HAPii
Research on children's voices
HAPii's founder, Dr Lisa O'Reilly, completed a PhD at NUI Galway (2012) on the voice of children in social work assessments. Her 2016 article in the British Journal of Social Work covers age-appropriate communication with children. Read more on her profile page.
Practical tools for practitioners
The Playful Voices in Practice series shows how a child's voice can be safely drawn out and represented across assessments, court work and foster care, grounded in the Lundy Model of Participation. Watch it on our resources page.
Common Questions
What is a Section 32 B report?
It is another name for a voice of the child report ordered under section 32(1)(b) of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964. The "B" refers to that subsection.
How young can a child be?
There is no minimum age for a child to take part. The assessor considers each child's maturity and whether the child is able to form their own views.
What is the difference between a voice of the child report and a welfare report?
A voice of the child report conveys the child's own views to the court. A welfare report looks at any question affecting the child's welfare and is ordered under section 32(1)(a) of the 1964 Act or section 47 of the Family Law Act 1995.
How do I make a referral?
Contact HAPii using the details on our contact page. We confirm availability, timelines and fees within 2 working days.
Make a Referral
Ready to make a referral?
Contact HAPii to discuss a voice of the child report. Please do not include children's names or case details in your first message.