IPV & Child Protection Impact Expert Report FAQ
1. What is an IPV and Child Protection Impact Expert Report?
This report provides a clinical expert opinion on how intimate partner violence (IPV) has affected the mother and the children, and how these impacts may relate to the mother’s difficulty complying with a supervised‑access order. It is not a parenting assessment and does not make recommendations about custody, access, or best interests.
2. How is this different from a Section 30 Parenting Assessment?
A Section 30 assessment is a comprehensive, court‑ordered evaluation involving both parents, the children, and multiple collateral sources. This expert report is narrower, single‑party, and focused specifically on IPV and child‑protection impacts.
3. Who is the client?
The retaining lawyer and the mother are the clients for this expert report.
4. What questions does this report answer?
Typical referral questions include:
- How has IPV affected the mother’s emotional functioning and sense of safety?
- How has exposure to IPV affected the children?
- How might trauma, fear, or safety concerns impact the mother’s ability to comply with supervised access?
- What clinical factors should the court understand when considering the mother’s behaviour or decisions?
5. What does this report not include?
This report does not provide:
- parenting recommendations
- best‑interest determinations
- assessments of the father
- risk assessments
- opinions on custody, access, or parenting time
- interviews with the father or opposing party
- home visits
- collateral interviews (unless authorized)
6. Will the children be interviewed?
No. Child interviews only occur if the retaining lawyer formally expands the scope in writing, and even then, they are limited to trauma‑related functioning — not parenting or best‑interest issues.
7. What information is used to prepare the report?
The report is based on:
- clinical interviews with the mother
- documents provided by counsel
- my professional expertise in IPV and child protection
8. Do you need the father’s police record and conviction details?
Yes. To complete the report, I require:
- the father’s police occurrence reports
- the list of criminal charges
- conviction details
- sentencing orders
- release conditions (probation, no‑contact orders, house arrest)
These must be obtained by the retaining lawyer through Crown disclosure, FOI, or court records. I do not obtain police or criminal records directly.
9. How long does the process take?
Typically 4 to 6 weeks after:
- the retainer is signed
- the deposit is received
- all documents are provided
- interviews are completed
10. What are your qualifications?
I am a Registered Social Worker (MSW, RSW) with extensive experience in:
- child protection
- trauma and IPV
- clinical assessment
- expert evidence
- Section 30 assessments
11. What is your role?
To provide an independent, objective, clinical opinion within my scope of practice. I am not acting as a therapist, mediator, or advocate.
12. What are the fees?
- Hourly rate: $250/hour + HST
- Expert report retainer: $3,000 + HST
- Court‑related fees as outlined in the retainer
13. Do you communicate with the father or opposing counsel?
No. This is a single‑party retainer.
14. Is this a therapeutic service?
No. If therapeutic needs arise, I will recommend separate clinical support.
15. What happens if new information emerges?
New documents may be reviewed if provided by counsel and within scope. Limitations will be noted.
16. Can you withdraw from the retainer?
Yes, if:
- documents are not provided
- fees are not paid
- scope changes
- ethical concerns arise
17. Who receives the final report?
The final report is provided to the retaining lawyer, who may file it with the Court or share it with other parties.