Hear the Child Reports: Giving Children a Voice in Family Transitions
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important considerations is ensuring that children’s voices are respectfully heard and genuinely considered. A Hear the Child Report provides a safe, neutral way for children to share their views and experiences about family changes- without ever placing the weight of adult decisions on their shoulders.
At Lakeside Clinical Counselling, Jessica Alderliesten, MSW, RSW, is a Registered Social Worker and member of the BC Hear the Child Society, offering child-centered interviews and reports that help families, lawyers, and the courts better understand a child’s perspective during family transitions.
About Jessica Alderliesten
Jessica holds both a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UBC Okanagan. She has extensive experience supporting children and families navigating separation and divorce and brings both strong professional training and personal experience with co-parenting and the realities of divorce.
Her lived perspective deepens her empathy and understanding of what families face during times of conflict and change. Jessica believes wholeheartedly in giving children a voice- so their views can be genuinely considered in the decisions that shape their lives- while ensuring they never feel responsible for the outcome.
Jessica’s Approach
In every Hear the Child interview, Jessica creates a warm, child-focused environment where children feel comfortable and respected. Her approach is gentle, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to each child’s unique communication style.
She takes time to build trust and rapport with each child or adolescent, allowing them to share what matters most in their own words. The result is a report that authentically reflects the child’s voice, written with care and neutrality.
Training & Expertise
Jessica has extensive training in conflict resolution, child interviewing, and assessment through the Family Justice Institute of BC, as well as specialized training in Parenting Coordination through the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).
Her work is grounded in the belief- supported by research- that children tend to do better when they’re given the chance to express their thoughts and help shape the parenting arrangements that guide their daily lives.
The Process
Jessica’s Hear the Child process is structured, transparent, and child-centered:
Intake with Parents
A brief intake meeting is held with both parents to explain the process, review consent forms, and answer questions.Child Interview
Each child is interviewed individually for approximately one hour, either in person at the Kelowna or West Kelowna office or virtually if needed.Report Preparation
Jessica prepares a neutral, non-evaluative written report summarizing what the child shared, using their own words wherever possible.Child Follow-Up
A brief follow-up with the child ensures their views were captured accurately and that they feel comfortable with what was shared.Report Distribution
The finalized report is provided to both parents (and their counsel, if applicable) according to Hear the Child Society guidelines.
Cost
Hear the Child Reports at Lakeside Clinical Counselling are billed at $825 for the first child and $700 for each additional child.
Why Families Choose Lakeside
Registered member of the BC Hear the Child Society
Strong background in child development and family law
Trauma-informed and neutral interviewing approach
Lived experience with co-parenting and family transitions
Deep commitment to ensuring children feel heard, understood, and protected
Jessica’s goal is to help families move forward with care, clarity, and confidence- always with a focus on the best interests of the child.
Book a Hear the Child Report
To learn more or to schedule a Hear the Child Interview, please contact:
Call or Text: (250) 258-2686
Email: Jessica@lakesideclinicial.ca
Locations: Kelowna & West Kelowna, BC