Short-Form Reports in Family Law: Child Impact Assessments and Understanding Children's Needs

When parents separate, disagreements about parenting arrangements can sometimes become entrenched. Decisions about schooling, a child’s routine, time spent with each parent or changes to existing arrangements can become significant points of conflict.

While parents may have very different perspectives on these issues, it is important that decisions remain focused on the child’s needs, experiences and wellbeing.

A Short-Form Report, often referred to within the family law sector as a Child Impact Assessment or Child Impact Report, provides an independent psychological perspective on a specific issue arising in family law proceedings. It can help parents, their legal representatives and other professionals better understand a child’s circumstances and the potential implications of proposed parenting arrangements.

At Melbourne Children’s Psychology Clinic, Dr Georgina Swinburne and Hafiza Sulieman undertake Short-Form Reports, bringing extensive experience in child development, clinical psychology, family dynamics, attachment and the assessment of children and families experiencing complex circumstances.

Considering a Short-Form Report for a family law matter?

Complete our Family Assessment Referral Form

What is a Short-Form Report (Child Impact Assessment)?

A Short-Form Report is a focused psychological assessment designed to consider a specific question or issue arising in parenting disputes following separation.

Unlike a comprehensive Family Report, which generally involves a broader assessment of family relationships, parenting capacity and the circumstances of each party, a Short-Form Report concentrates on a clearly defined issue.

These assessments may be particularly useful when parents have reached an impasse about a particular parenting decision and an independent clinical perspective may assist in clarifying the issues and informing next steps.

Examples of issues that may benefit from a Short-Form Report include:

• Schooling decisions: Where parents disagree about a proposed change of school, educational setting or schooling arrangements.

• Parenting arrangements: Where there is disagreement about changes to a child’s routine or time spent with each parent.

• Changes in contact: Where a child’s time with one parent has ceased or significantly reduced, and consideration is needed about the child’s current circumstances and needs.

• Parental impasse: Where parents are unable to reach agreement about a specific issue affecting their child.

• A child’s adjustment: Where there are concerns about how a child is managing changes to family circumstances or existing parenting arrangements.

The purpose is not to undertake an exhaustive assessment of the entire family history, but rather to provide a clinically informed understanding of the child and the particular issue requiring consideration.

What is the difference between a Child Impact Report and a Short-Form Report?

The term Child Impact Report has a specific meaning within the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA).

A formal Court Child Impact Report is prepared by a Court Child Expert within the Court Children’s Service under the Court’s statutory appointment. Its purpose is to provide the Court with information about children’s experiences, needs and wellbeing early in family law proceedings.

Privately commissioned Short-Form Reports are different. They are independently undertaken assessments commissioned by the parties or their legal representatives to consider a defined issue affecting a child. They are not Court-ordered Child Impact Reports and are not prepared on behalf of, or commissioned by, the Court.

At Melbourne Children’s Psychology Clinic, we refer to our privately commissioned assessments as Short-Form Reports.

The term Child Impact Assessment is also commonly used in the family law sector to describe focused assessments of children’s circumstances and needs following parental separation. We recognise that legal practitioners and families may use these terms when searching for this type of service.

For further information about formal Court Child Impact Reports, visit the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s Child Impact Report information page.

What does the assessment involve?

Our Short-Form Reports are designed to be focused and proportionate to the question being considered.

The assessment generally involves:

• Brief individual interviews with each parent.

• An age-appropriate interview with the child or children who are the subject of the assessment.

• A review of relevant background information and documentation provided in advance.

• Clinical consideration of the child’s current functioning, experiences, developmental needs and family circumstances.

The assessment allows the clinician to consider the perspectives of both parents alongside the child’s presentation and experiences.

The report provides an independent clinical perspective on the issue identified in the referral, including relevant psychological and relational considerations.

The process is intentionally more streamlined than a comprehensive Family Report. It does not ordinarily involve extensive historical document review, subpoenaed material or a broad investigation of the family’s history.

What does the report consider?

While each assessment is guided by the specific referral question, consideration may be given to:

• The child’s developmental, emotional and psychological needs.

• The child’s current experiences and adjustment to family circumstances.

• The child’s relationship with each parent, where relevant to the referral question.

• The impact of existing or proposed parenting arrangements on the child.

• Relevant family dynamics and factors influencing the child’s current circumstances.

• Considerations that may assist parents and their legal representatives in understanding the child’s needs.

Importantly, a Short-Form Report is not an investigation into allegations of family violence or abuse, nor is it designed to substantiate or refute disputed allegations. Where significant risk concerns or complex allegations require investigation and a more comprehensive assessment, a Short-Form Report may not be appropriate.

The report is intended to provide a balanced, evidence-informed clinical opinion within the defined scope of the assessment.

Who undertakes Short-Form Reports at Melbourne Children’s Psychology Clinic?

Short-Form Reports are undertaken by Dr Georgina Swinburne, Senior Clinical Psychologist, and Hafiza Sulieman, Psychologist (Clinical Psychology Registrar). Together, they bring complementary experience in child and adolescent psychology, family assessment, attachment, trauma and parenting.

Georgina has more than 20 years of experience across public and private clinical settings, including the Royal Children’s Hospital, Austin Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and Take Two (Berry Street). Her work has included child and family assessments, parenting capacity assessments, child protection consultation and expert witness work with the Victorian Patient Review Panel. She also has extensive experience working with children and families involved in Family Court proceedings.

Hafiza holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and has a background in child and family support, including work with families experiencing trauma and complex family circumstances. She has training in Circle of Security, Triple P and Parenting Under Pressure, and brings experience in supporting children, strengthening family relationships and understanding parenting capacity.

Together, they draw on their clinical experience to consider each child’s developmental and emotional needs within the context of their family relationships and circumstances.

Read Dr Georgina Swinburne’s full profile | Read Hafiza Sulieman’s full profile

How long does a Short-Form Report take?

We aim to provide a timely assessment process while allowing sufficient time for appropriate clinical consideration.

Once the referral has been accepted and the assessment interviews have been completed, reports are generally provided within three to four weeks.

To assist with preparation, we request relevant documentation at least one week before the scheduled interviews. This generally includes:

• A joint letter of instruction outlining the specific question or issue to be considered.

• One affidavit from each party.

• The most recent parenting orders, where applicable.

The scope of documentation is intentionally focused, rather than requiring extensive background material or subpoenaed records.

When might a Short-Form Report be appropriate?

A Short-Form Report may be particularly helpful where:

• There is a clearly defined parenting issue requiring independent clinical consideration.

• Parents have reached an impasse and are unable to agree on a particular decision.

• There is a need for a timely assessment to inform interim parenting arrangements.

• A focused understanding of the child’s current circumstances may assist in progressing discussions between parties.

Not every family law matter is suited to a Short-Form Report. Where there are multiple complex issues, significant allegations requiring investigation or a need for a comprehensive assessment of parenting capacity and family relationships, a Single Expert Report or more extensive assessment may be more appropriate.

We encourage legal practitioners to contact us to discuss the nature of the matter and whether a Short-Form Report is likely to be suitable.

When is a Single Expert Report more appropriate?

While a Short-Form Report is useful when there is a clearly defined issue requiring focused assessment, some family law matters require a more comprehensive assessment of the child and family circumstances.

Where a broader assessment is required, a Single Expert Report may be more appropriate. This involves a different scope of assessment and a formal expert witness role within the family law proceedings.

For further information about this type of assessment, read our article: Single Expert Reports in Family Law Proceedings: Understanding the Assessment Process

Making a referral

Dr Georgina Swinburne and Hafiza Sulieman accept referrals for Short-Form Reports in family law matters.

We welcome referrals from solicitors, family law practitioners and other legal professionals seeking an independent, clinically informed assessment of a specific issue affecting a child.

If you would like to discuss a potential referral or determine whether a Short-Form Report is appropriate for your matter, please contact Melbourne Children’s Psychology Clinic.

To make a referral, please complete our Family Assessment Referral Form:

Complete the Family Assessment Referral Form

At Melbourne Children’s Psychology Clinic, our focus remains on ensuring that the child’s needs, developmental circumstances and wellbeing remain central to the assessment, particularly at times when family circumstances are complex and decisions are difficult.