Family Reports

Appointed as a Panel Family Consultant to the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Andrew Macintosh undertakes independent family assessments pursuant to Regulation 40 of the Family Law Regulations.

Family Reports are a form of independent, court-directed assessment prepared to assist judicial decision-making in parenting matters.

Nature of the role

Family Report work is court-directed and evaluative in nature.

The role of the Family Consultant includes:

  • meeting with parents and children as directed
  • gathering and considering relevant information
  • observing interactions where appropriate
  • assessing matters relevant to children’s care, welfare, and development
  • preparing an independent written report for the Court

The Family Consultant does not act as a therapist, advocate, or advisor to either party.

Professional Framework

All Family Report work is undertaken in accordance with:

  • independence and neutrality
  • child-focused assessment
  • procedural fairness
  • clear differentiation between information, observation, and professional opinion
  • compliance with court orders and reporting requirements

Court Process

Family Reports are prepared solely for the purpose of assisting the Court and are provided only pursuant to court order.

Appointment, scope, and allocation are determined by the Court and administered through Court Children’s Services.

Reports are released to the parties by the Court once finalised.

Role Boundaries

Family Report work is distinct from all other services associated with Evertrack Family Practice.

To maintain independence and the integrity of court processes:

  • no ongoing services are provided to families following completion of a report
  • matters that would create a conflict of interest are not accepted
  • services are not provided concurrently or sequentially within the same matter.

Referrals and appointments

Family Report services are provided solely by court order through Court Children’s Services of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

Evertrack Family Practice does not accept direct instructions or private referrals for Family Reports.