Fact Sheet
Participating in a Court Children’s Service (CCS) assessment, for example for a Child Impact Report or a Family Report, can be stressful. Having support on the day can help.
When you attend an assessment, you can bring someone to give you practical/and or emotional support before and after the interview. You might also need someone to help you out by looking after the children while you are interviewed (you will be told if this is required).
Sometimes people also want someone to be with them during the interview. CCS refers to a person who sits in on the interview as a ‘Support Person’. If you would like a Support Person present for your interview, here are some important things for you (and them) to be aware of:
- You need to let CCS, or the specific report writer, know that you want to have a Support Person present before the interview starts. You also need to tell them who your Support Person will be.
- Your Support Person can be a friend, family member, or professional, but they cannot be your lawyer or have any other official role in your legal case. They must be an adult.
- Some people might not be suitable as a Support Person. For example, if they are someone the report writer might need to interview separately, like your new partner. Check with CCS or the report writer to make sure the person you have chosen is suitable.
- Your Support Person is there to provide emotional support only, not to actively participate in the interview.
- It is important that you make sure the Support Person knows what their role is and that they agree to stick to it – giving them this information sheet is a good idea.
- It is important that you and your Support Person understand that the report will state that the Support Person was present in the interview.
- If you are being interviewed by video, it is best if the Support Person is in the room with you, but you must make sure the report writer knows that they are there and can hear any communications between you and the Support Person.
- If you need to speak to your Support Person during the interview, ask the report writer if you can have a short break to do that.
A Support Person CAN:
- Sit with you during your interview
- Offer emotional support to you before, during, and after the interview.
A Support Person CANNOT:
- Speak on your behalf
- Answer questions for you
- Provide additional information to you or the report writer
- Take notes or record the interview
- Contact the report writer before or after the assessment
If the report writer has concerns that your Support Person is not following the requirements listed above, they may require the Support Person to leave or they may end the interview.
This fact sheet provides general information only and does not provide legal advice. If you have a legal issue, you should contact a lawyer before making a decision about what to do or applying to the Court. The Court cannot provide legal advice.
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