A Call to Include the Voice of the Child
In 1989, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child affirmed that “States Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child.” Following the issuance of this document, countries, states, and provinces have met this challenge with a variety of statutes and processes. Despite the US never having signed the Convention, states commonly include a Best Interest factor related to the child’s preference in family law disputes. In Canada, provinces have established the Voice of the Child report as a way to hear from children and provide their thoughts, wishes, and feelings through meeting with a professional. Mediation, parenting plan evaluations, parenting coordination, Guardians ad litem, minor’s counsel and hearings/tri