Page 36 - Meeting with Children Manual
P. 36

Section 4                                                                      P a ge  | 34





                              o  Child Intake Form. This is completed with each parent separately about
                                 their children.
                         Child Temperament Scale
                              o  This is completed during the session with each parent.  Parents are read
                                 the descriptors and asked to rate, their children and themselves.
                         How the Meeting occurs
                              o  Provide the parents with an overview of your role in meeting with their
                                 children. The purpose of meeting the child/ren is not to evaluate them
                                 or to provide counselling to them. This is a short-term “check-in” to
                                 hear from the child/ren about what is important to them and to gain
                                 any concerns they might have. This information will be brought back to
                                 the  parents so that they can consider  their children’s  input when
                                 developing plans for them. You will meet with the child/ren two-four
                                 times (depending on the need and any potential follow-up).
                         Your Role in meeting with children:
                              o  To provide Information to the child/ren about the  process in a
                                 developmentally sensitive manner
                              o  To offer some developmentally appropriate ways for the child/ren to
                                 express their concerns (drawings, play-based activities)
                              o  To learn about the child/ren’s concerns and provide information back
                                 to the parents

                              o  To check with the child/ren prior to providing the feedback to ensure
                                 the child/ren is ok with sharing what you have learned
                              o  To return to the child/ren after meeting with the parents to let them
                                 know how things went
                              o  In some instances, to assist a child to bring a message or drawing or
                                 play example to the parents
                              o  In some instances, to attend a feedback session with the child present
                         Some topics and Questions to discuss with each parent.
                              o  Tell me a little bit about your child’s personality or style of being? What
                                 can you tell me about your child?
                              o  What does your child enjoy doing? Playing?
                              o  What extracurricular activities is your child engaged in?
                              o  Was/is your child developmentally on-track?
                              o  Does the child have any medical issues?
                              o  What are your child’s strengths? Challenges?
                              o  Does your child have friends? Who are they and when does your child
                                 spend time with his/her friends?
                              o  Does your child have any step-siblings or a step-parent? If so, what
                                 relationship does your child have with these people? Do you have a
                                 relationship at all with them? Have you met them?
                              o  Are there any concerns you have about your child?
                              o  How does your child do at school? Are there any social or learning
                                 issues?
                              o  What are transitions like for your child? For you? For the other parent?
                                 Where do they take place? What does the child bring? Do you talk to
                                 the other parent during the exchange?



     © The International Centre for Children and Family Law Inc.  This material cannot be copied in whole or in part without the express written permission
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