References & Resources for:

Giving Children a Voice: Understanding Voice of the Child Reports

Hamilton Law Association

March 25, 2025

1.      UN convention on the rights of the child:

https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-child

2.      Views of the Child Reports, The Ontario Pilot Project – Research Findings and Recommendations by Dr. Rachel Birnbaum & Professor Nicholas Bala:

https://www.kings.uwo.ca/kings/assets/File/research/Birnbaum-LFO-TO.pdf

3.      Voice of the Child Reports in Ontario, Dr. Birnbaum & Michelle Hayes, Journal of Divorce & Marriage:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333436406_Voice_of_the_Child_Reports_in_Ontario_A_Content_Analysis_of_Interviews_with_Children

4.      The Canadian Experience with Views of the Child Reports: A Valuable Addition to the Toolbox?, Dr. Birnbaum, Professor Bala, John-Paul Boyd:

https://www.canlii.org/en/commentary/doc/2018CanLIIDocs10856#!fragment/zoupio-_Toc3Page2/BQCwhgziBcwMYgK4DsDWszIQewE4BUBTADwBdoAvbRABwEtsBaAfX2zgGYAFMAc0IBMASgA0ybKUIQAiokK4AntADkykREJhcCWfKWr1m7SADKeUgCElAJQCiAGVsA1AIIA5AMK2RpMACNoUnYhISA

5.      Justice Canada: Voice of the Child in Court Proceedings:

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/fl-lf/divorce/vccp-vecp/voi3.html

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/jr/rg-rco/2023/vcpscpt-pvepsocpt.html

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/rp-pr/jr/vcpscpt-pvepsocpt/docs/rsd_rr2023-vcr-programs-and-services_eng.pdf

6.      Luke’s Place: What is a voice of the child report:

https://lukesplace.ca/what-is-a-voice-of-the-child-report/

7.      Office of the Children’s Lawyer VoC referral form:

https://ontariocourtforms.on.ca/static/media/uploads/courtforms/ocl/voice-of-the-child-information-sheet-2020.pdf

8.      Ontario Court VoC Endorsement Form:

https://ontariocourtforms.on.ca/static/media/uploads/courtforms/ocl/voice-of-the-child-report-endorsement-2020.pdf

9.      VoC info for Parents and Lawyers:      

https://www.pccs.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Voice-of-the-Child-Info-for-Parents-and-Lawyers.pdf

10.  Family Law Nova Scotia voice of the child guidelines:

https://www.nsfamilylaw.ca/children/voice-child-reports/voice-child-report-guidelines

11.  Child Inclusive Mediation Training (OAFM):

https://www.oafm.on.ca/pages/events/

12.  Voice of the Child Training with NavOn:

https://navigatingonward.com/training/voice-of-the-child-reports/