we offer
COurt Reports
Reports include Chapter 7 Single Expert Reports, Child Impact Assessments, and Specific Issues Assessments. In all cases, a Joint Letter of Instruction is required from both parties providing specific information about the report that is required. Further information will be required, such as the parties’ details, any concerns regarding the arrangements for appointments and the current care arrangements.
When the terms of reference for the assessment have been established, a detailed schedule of assessment activities will be sent to the parties via their legal representatives.
Fees will be provided upon enquiry and when the type of assessment being requested has been established.
Single Expert Reports are written under Division 7.1 of the Family Law (2021) Rules. Experts may be appointed by a Judge, or parties may agree by consent to appoint the Expert.
Shorter expert assessment reports, such as Child Impact Assessments and Specific Issues Reports can also be Ordered by the Court and may be written where there is agreement from all parties about the engagement of expert services.
An assessment for a full Single Expert Report typically involves interviews with both parties and the children at the centre of the dispute, in addition to observations of children with their parents. When necessary, other household or significant family members may also be included. The assessment includes a review of affidavit and other material filed with the Court and may also involve contacting other service providers regarding the issues, with appropriate consents from the parties.
In the preparation of assessments and reports, Colleen provides a clear depiction and analysis of clinical issues that is concise, while also being thorough and comprehensive. Colleen is committed to a child-centred approach that is also mindful and respectful of parents’ views and perspectives.
Colleen aims to take a sensitive and non-judgemental approach that balances being strength-based and attuned to potential risk. Wherever possible, recommendations are made for therapy or other suitable interventions that may assist children and families with the best way forward.
Colleen has expertise in assessing attachments in children of all ages, from young children to adolescents, and their experiences of separation and loss.
we offer
Psychological Testing
We also offer testing in ADHD, Autism, IQ assessments and Gifted and Talented. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
we offer
Counselling
Viewpoint Consulting offers family and individual counselling either Court ordered or self-referred. Family counselling involves the process where a family counsellor helps parties to address issues between them that relate to marriage, as well as helping children who have been affected or are likely to be affected by the separation or divorce of their parents.
A Court may order one or more of the parties to any proceedings to attend family counselling under Section 13C of the Family Law Act. Additionally, the Court can also order that parties (usually the parents) encourage the participation of specified persons where the judge deems they may benefit from such therapy. This can include the children who are subject to the proceedings, maternal and paternal grandparents or other relatives such as aunts and uncles or step-parents.
Family counselling at Viewpoint Consulting also incorporates psychoeducation into a child focussed separation. Often separation dynamics are conflictual and can sometimes override the best interests of the children. Family counsellors can assist parents to shift their conflictual dynamic for the sake of their child/ren’s wellbeing.
Fees for counselling start at $180/hour for individuals and $240/hour for family counselling.
