Ronald J. Smith, QC
ph: 250-878-4716
1444 Alta Vista Rd., Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 6L1

Voice of the Child

What is a Views of the Child Report?
A court must give paramount consideration to the best interests of the child and, in assessing those interests, must consider, if appropriate, the views of the child. Just Family Solutions offers Views of the Child Report services for children of difficult divorce situations. Ron Smith meets with the child and determine their wishes in regards to issues such as preferred primary residence, preferred school, access and visitation, and any other issues the parent's would like addressed. A report is then generated and presented to the court or the parents.

The Role of A Child Interviewer
Members of the BC Hear The Child Interviewers Roster are qualified, neutral professionals trained to listen to children and provide written reports of the child’s views to decision-makers and others involved in family law cases where the child’s best interests are being determined. The interviewer does not assess the child or the parents, but rather reports the child’s views, so that the views can be heard and considered by those making the decisions about the child’s best interests.

Why Choose Just Family Solutions?
Ron was part of the original pilot project to interview children that took place in Kelowna in 2007, and has been involved in providing Hear the Child Reports since that time. Ron is past Chair of the BC Hear The Child Society, the organization that maintains this Roster.