In family law, the stakes are high — and the impact on children is lifelong. Yet for too long, there has been no formal structure in South Africa to ensure children’s views are ethically and professionally included in mediation and parenting decisions.
That’s changing.
At Family Assist, we believe that children deserve more than a checkbox in the process — they deserve safe, structured, and qualified representation of their voice. That’s why we’ve developed a certification pathway through the Voice of the Child Certification Board (VOCCB). This ensures that those engaging with children in family law matters are trained, assessed, and held to national and international standards.
Certified Voice of the Child Practitioners (VOCPs) don’t speak for the child — they create space for the child to speak for themselves. Our program teaches professionals how to listen without leading, to document without interpreting, and to honour the child’s perspective while working within the legal framework.
In a system often dominated by adult voices, certified VOCPs are helping restore balance — and build trust — one child at a time.
