The child’s voice is an important consideration in the separating and divorcing families; however, what does that mean in pragmatics? The right to an appropriate and individualized education is both pragmatic and fundamental to the intellectual, social, and developmental growth of a child. In fact, the schooling of the child is likely a volatile subject for ‘parting’ couples to consider. Article 12 of the UN CRC intends to support the child when legal “best interests” are being determined.

My presentation in Vienna reviewed the US / UK presenter’s experience in family court as a forensic educational psychologist and the important considerations in recommending appropriate educational paths. Collaborative venues with mediators, custody evaluators, parenting coordinators, teachers, and special educators were highlighted in this presentation with legal backgrounds referenced to provide and summarize social science research benefits and cautions in listening to children’s and adolescents’ voices.

These methods help court participants in bettering the lives of children and adolescents. It would make Freud proud to hear the approaches to bettering children’s lives. Vienna was a  fabulous IALMH conference filled with the ‘best’ in the international industry helping youth and families working within legal systems. I am proud to have been invited to present.