This report, released in May 2007, is an evaluation of the Kelowna Pilot for the Hear the Child Project. The Hear the Child Project began in 2003 and focuses on ways to support children and their participation in family justice processes. It is framed by Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Canada, and BC legislation that contemplates hearing and considering the views of children in decisions made about their best interests. Child participation in this project is generally about children having an opportunity to share their views on matters that affect them with decision-makers, and to receive information in a way that they understand. A process to get the views of children before decision-makers in family court processes was piloted in Kelowna between October 1, 2005 and October 31, 2006 as part of this Project.
