Founded by Kim Coshaw, Child Expert Network brings together decades of experience in child-focused forensic and family law assessments. Our mission is to deliver impartial, insightful, and inclusive reports that support informed decisions in children’s best interests.
All assessments and child consultations are conducted by qualified Child Experts with extensive experience in child development, family dynamics, and Family Law.
A Child Impact Assessment is an initial assessment conducted early in proceedings, usually prior to an interim hearing, to assist the family and the Court in understanding the key issues for the children, their relationships, developmental needs, and possible future directions. It does not include formal recommendations or observations and is generally not intended for use at a final hearing.
In contrast, a Family Report is a comprehensive assessment prepared later in proceedings, often for use at the final hearing stage. It includes formal recommendations about parenting arrangements and provides a detailed evaluation of each child’s needs, the family’s dynamics, any identified risks, and the capacity of each parent to meet the child’s needs moving forward.
Observations of parent–child interactions occur only in Family Reports. They are not part of Child Impact Assessments or Child Inclusive Dispute Resolution.
Child Experts are mandatory reporters and are legally required to notify child protection authorities if they believe a child is at risk of significant harm.
In Family Reports and Child Impact Assessments, anything said, done, or observed during the assessment process may be included in the final report. Once submitted, the report may be relied upon as evidence in Court, and the Child Expert may be asked to give evidence about any part of the process.
Child-Inclusive Dispute Resolution is a confidential process. The feedback shared during the child consultation is not recorded in a formal report and is not intended for use in Court proceedings. If concerns for a child’s safety or wellbeing arise, the Child Expert has a duty to report this to the relevant authorities.
Fees vary depending on the type of intervention. Click on this link for more information.
All assessments and child consultations are conducted by qualified Child Experts with extensive experience in child development, family dynamics, and Family Law.
A Child Impact Assessment is an initial assessment conducted early in proceedings, usually prior to an interim hearing, to assist the family and the Court in understanding the key issues for the children, their relationships, developmental needs, and possible future directions. It does not include formal recommendations or observations and is generally not intended for use at a final hearing.
In contrast, a Family Report is a comprehensive assessment prepared later in proceedings, often for use at the final hearing stage. It includes formal recommendations about parenting arrangements and provides a detailed evaluation of each child’s needs, the family’s dynamics, any identified risks, and the capacity of each parent to meet the child’s needs moving forward.
Observations of parent–child interactions occur only in Family Reports. They are not part of Child Impact Assessments or Child Inclusive Dispute Resolution.
Child Experts are mandatory reporters and are legally required to notify child protection authorities if they believe a child is at risk of significant harm.
In Family Reports and Child Impact Assessments, anything said, done, or observed during the assessment process may be included in the final report. Once submitted, the report may be relied upon as evidence in Court, and the Child Expert may be asked to give evidence about any part of the process.
Child-Inclusive Dispute Resolution is a confidential process. The feedback shared during the child consultation is not recorded in a formal report and is not intended for use in Court proceedings. If concerns for a child’s safety or wellbeing arise, the Child Expert has a duty to report this to the relevant authorities.
Fees vary depending on the type of intervention. Click on this link for more information.
We’re here to help you navigate complex decisions with confidence and clarity.
