Voice of the Child Reports (VCR)

Overview

VCRs help parents learn about their child’s views, perspectives, and preferences for consideration when making decisions and plans about parenting time and decision-making following separation and divorce. VCRs can be helpful for moving forward whether in mediation or in Court. VCRs can also be helpful as the child gets older and parts of the parenting plan need to be updated.

At NavOn, trained VCR practitioners meet with children using a very specific process designed to do no harm. Children work with a neutral professional that provides a safe and confidential space so they can voice their fears, concerns, and preferences. Children learn that their voice is important but that decisions are for their parents. Children maintain control over their own information in a VCR, which means they choose which information the VCR practitioner will share with their parents.

VCRs are limited in scope and are not an assessment, or a substitute for an assessment where this is needed. The VCR practitioner usually does not review collateral information and does not provide recommendations.

What is the cost and how do I pay?

NavOn uses a retainer model for separation and divorce services. This means that a payment is made in advance and as the work is done, the money in the retainer is used. If there is money left in the retainer at the end of service, this is returned.

For VCRs, a non-refundable administration fee of $225 is required at the time of referral to begin coordinating services for the family. We require a retainer of $2250 for each child (this does not include the administration fee).

NavOn accepts payment by e-transfer, cheque, or credit card (2.4% surcharge applies for credit card payments). A monthly accounting of the status of the retainer will be provided.