Voice of the Child Assessment in Calgary
What Voice of the Child Assessment means
Separation and divorce can be incredibly challenging, especially when children are involved.
As a parent, you may be trying to make the best decisions possible while still feeling unsure about what your child is truly experiencing or needing.
Children do not always have the space or the words to express how they feel. When conflict is present, their voice can easily become lost.
A Voice of the Child assessment in Calgary, completed under Practice Note 7 PN7, offers a structured and supportive way to better understand your child’s perspective without placing pressure on them to make decisions.
At Gabrielle Hone Counselling, this process is approached with care, neutrality, and a strong focus on helping children feel safe, heard, and respected.
Understanding PN7 and the Voice of the Child
A Practice Note 7 PN7 assessment is a court involved process used in Alberta when parents are unable to reach agreements about parenting arrangements and require input from a qualified professional.
A Parenting Expert may be appointed to gather information, meet with parents and children, and prepare a report for the court or legal professionals.
A Voice of the Child assessment is a specific type of PN7 service that focuses on understanding and documenting the child’s perspective.
This process allows children to:
- Share their thoughts in a safe, neutral, and age appropriate setting
- Express how they are experiencing their family situation
- Feel heard without being responsible for decisions
Children are never asked to choose between parents or take sides.
The goal is to ensure the child’s voice is included in a way that is respectful, balanced, and appropriate for legal use.
A Structured, Thoughtful Process
During child sessions:
- The pace is gentle and adapted to the child’s comfort level
- Language is simple, supportive, and non leading
- There is no pressure to share anything they are not ready to express
The final report:
- Reflects the child’s voice as accurately as possible
- Maintains neutrality and avoids bias
- Does not include parenting recommendations unless required under a broader PN7 scope
A Voice of the Child assessment is designed to be clear, contained, and supportive, especially for the child.
The process may include:
- Initial intake and background review
- Individual meetings with each parent
- One or more child interviews using age appropriate conversation or activities
- Optional input from other professionals when appropriate
- A written report summarizing the child’s voice
Who This Service Is For
A PN7 Voice of the Child assessment may be appropriate if:
- You are involved in a family court process in Alberta
- Parents are unable to agree on parenting arrangements
- There are different interpretations of what the child wants or needs
- A lawyer or judge has recommended a PN7 assessment
- You are looking for a neutral understanding of your child’s experience
This service is typically initiated through legal professionals or court direction.
Creating Space for the Child’s Voice
Children often carry more than they show, especially during times of change.
Providing them with a safe, structured way to be heard can:
- Help them feel acknowledged and understood
- Reduce emotional pressure or internal conflict
- Support decisions that better reflect their lived experience
Even small moments of being heard can have a meaningful impact.
Starting with a Conversation
If you have been referred for a PN7 Voice of the Child assessment in Calgary, or you are exploring whether this process is appropriate, you are welcome to reach out.
We can walk you through what to expect and help you understand the next steps.