Elevating the profession.
Protecting the child.
About us
Our Mission
The mission of the Voice of the Child Certification Board (VOCCB) is to uphold and advance the integrity, professionalism and child-focused ethics of Voice of the Child (VOC) practitioners in South Africa.
VOCCB provides a formal certification framework that ensures practitioners are trained, competent and accountable in delivering VOC services within mediation and family law contexts.
Through standards, ethical guidelines, and ongoing professional development, VOCCB aims to safeguard the best interests of children by equipping certified practitioners with the knowledge and tools to accurately reflect children’s voices in a non-therapeutic, non-forensic, and developmentally appropriate manner.
In a landscape where confusion between forensic assessments and child voice consultations can compromise outcomes, VOCCB establishes clear distinctions between the VOC process and forensic interviewing, ensuring each is applied within its appropriate legal and ethical scope.
By offering a credible and unified certification pathway, VOCCB empowers practitioners, reassures the public and promotes multi – disciplinary collaboration rooted in child participation rights as set out in the South African Children’s Act and international best practices.
- Who We Are:
We are the Voice of the Child Certification Board (VOCCB) — a dedicated panel of professionals from diverse disciplines, united by a shared commitment to upholding children’s rights and promoting ethical, child-focused practice.
As the pioneers in the certification of Voice of the Child Practitioners (VOCPs) in South Africa, we work to ensure that children’s views are not only heard but meaningfully considered in matters that affect them — especially within mediation and the development of parenting plans.
Rooted in the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and aligned with both national and international best practices, VOCCB offers a structured, accountable certification pathway. Our panel oversees professional standards, ethical guidelines, and clear distinctions between the Voice of the Child process and therapeutic or forensic work — maintaining the integrity and purpose of each.
We are currently in the process of applying for formal recognition through SETA/SITA, with the long-term vision of establishing Voice of the Child Practice as a fully recognised and respected profession in South Africa. Through this, we aim to elevate the role of VOC Practitioners and ensure the consistent, ethical inclusion of children’s voices in all family law processes.
- Our Board Members:
Marici M Corneli Jacobsz
Adv. Chris Maree
Jolene Jansen van Vuuren
Cindy Ueckermann
Jessica Morolong
Delene Van Onselen
Dr. Nielen Olivier
Minke Saayman
Louisa Stoker
Marianne Kruger
Marici Corneli
📧 info@voiceofthechild.co.za
📞 082 254 1677
Adv. Chris Maree
📧 admin@advcjmaree.com
📞 084 699 0600
Jolene Jansen van Vuuren
📧 jolenejvv.c21@gmail.com
📞 083 658 3138
Cindy Ueckermann
📧 admin@voiceofthechild.co.za
📞 084 709 1341
Jessica Morolong
📧 morolongpsychology@gmail.com
📞 082 536 0612
Dalene Van Onselen
📧 delene@emotionalcare.co.za
📞 082 809 0316
Minke Saayman
📧 ms@lantic.net
📞 082 345 4377
Louisa Stoker
📧 louisastoker@gmail.com
📞 081 271 3108
Marianne Kruger
📧 mjk.prac@gmail.com
📞 082 379 2075
- Why Certification Matters:
Certification ensures that Voice of the Child Practitioners (VOCPs) are properly trained, ethically grounded, and aligned with South Africa’s legal and child protection frameworks. It provides credibility, consistency, and accountability in how children’s voices are included in mediation and parenting plans.
Without certification, the risk increases of misinterpreting or mishandling a child’s input during critical family law processes. Certification through the VOCCB guarantees that practitioners follow a standardised, child-focused approach — one that honours the child’s right to be heard while maintaining the integrity of the mediation process.
Ultimately, certification protects children, supports families, and strengthens the professionalism of the field.
- FAQ:
1. What is a Voice of the Child (VOC) Practitioner?
A VOC Practitioner is a trained professional who facilitates the meaningful participation of children in family law matters, especially during mediation. Their role is to listen to children in a safe, neutral space and document their views without interpreting or making recommendations.
2. Who can become a VOC Practitioner?
Any individual with a minimum of an NQF Level 5 qualification (Diploma or higher-level qualification) and experience working with children—such as in education, social work, psychology, or child protection—may apply.
3. Is this the same as a forensic assessment?
No. VOC is not a forensic process. Practitioners do not investigate or make recommendations. The aim is to include the child’s voice in mediation processes and parenting plans in a respectful and legally aligned manner.
4. What is required to become certified?
You must complete the full training program, including theoretical and practical modules, submit a Portfolio of Evidence (POE), and undergo assessment by the Voice of the Child Certification Board (VOCCB).
5. How long does the training take?
The training includes a 40-hour theoretical course, followed by practical work, report submissions, and supervised sessions. The full process is flexible, depending on your pace and experience level.
6. Is this certification recognised in South Africa?
Yes. The training is aligned with the Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and relevant DSD regulations. The VOCCB is working towards formal accreditation aligned with SAQA standards.
7. What happens after I am certified?
Certified practitioners are added to the National VOCP Register and are required to complete ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to maintain their certification.
8. How is the child’s voice protected in this process?
VOC Practitioners are trained in ethical engagement and child-friendly communication techniques. They document children’s views exactly as expressed, without interpretation, ensuring integrity and transparency.
9. Can I use this certification in my existing practice?
Yes. Many professionals—such as mediators, therapists, and social workers—integrate VOC practices into their current roles to enhance child participation in family-related decisions.
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VOC Training
Grounded in Theory - Understand the legal, ethical and developmental framework behind every child interview.
Equipped for Practice - Master the tools and techniques needed for VOC sessions.
Learn by Observation - Shadow experienced practitioners and see the process in action.
Grow Through Mentorship - Receive guided support as you build confidence and skill in the field.
Testimonials
Honest Reviews
"Truly Transformative Training"
By Thandeka M., Social Worker
Completing the Voice of the Child Practitioner training with Family Assist was one of the most impactful experiences of my professional career. The course was not only thorough and grounded in South African law, but also deeply respectful of children’s rights and dignity. I now feel fully equipped to ensure that children’s voices are genuinely heard during mediation processes. Highly recommended for any professional working with families!
"A Much-Needed Professional Standard in South Africa"
By Johan V., Accredited Mediator
The VOC Practitioner Course has added much value to my work as a family mediator. The training is practical, insightful, and aligned with best legal and ethical practices. It’s reassuring to know there’s now a formal, recognised process to include children’s voices in parenting plans. This program is raising the standard for child-focused mediation in our country.