How is a council investigation conducted?

The council investigator draws up an investigation plan for the investigation together with a behavioural expert and sometimes also the legal assistant. It states what the problem is and with whom she is going to talk. The aim is to give the council investigator a full idea of the child’s situation. At the start of a council investigation, clients are invited for an interview in which the council investigator explains the reason for the investigation, the objective, the procedures to be followed and how long the investigation will take.

The council investigator speaks with the parents, with the child and other family members or parties involved. If the council investigator is unable to speak to the child, she will try to see the child. The council investigator can also get a good idea of the situation by obtaining information from other people, such as those who know the child well - family members, the general practitioner or a teacher. This requires permission from the parent(s) with parental authority. The Guardianship Council CN can also request judicial data, for example if it is conducting an investigation for foster families, adoption or single parent parental authority.

The conversations can be held at the Guardianship Council CN’s office or at the family home. The council investigator also consults with the behavioural expert and the legal assistant before writing the report.

In the report the council investigator writes about the family’s situation, how the investigation was conducted and what she has seen and heard. In the report she gives advice in which she looks at what is best for the child. She discusses this report with the parents and with the child if the child is not too young. Parents and (16+) child will receive the council report for inspection for five working days, unless this is not in the child’s best interests.

Depending on the investigation involved, different types of actions are possible. For example, if a child has done something that is prohibited by law, the advice will state which punishment is best. If it concerns problems at home, the council investigator can submit a request to the court for a child protection order. If it concerns a contentious divorce, the advice may state with whom the children can best live.

When the report is complete, the council investigator sends it to the parents and sometimes also to the child. Depending on the type of investigation, he also sends the report to the judge, the public prosecutor or the Ministry of Security and Justice. Under each topic you can read to whom precisely it will be sent.