Certification

How to Become a Voice of the Child Practitioner (VOCP) / How to get Certified

Certification ensures that Voice of the Child Practitioners (VOCPs) are properly trained, ethically grounded, and aligned with South Africa’s legal and child protection frameworks. It provides credibility, consistency, and accountability in how children’s voices are included in mediation and parenting plans.

Without certification, the risk increases of misinterpreting or mishandling a child’s input during critical family law processes. Certification through the VOCCB guarantees that practitioners follow a standardised, child-focused approach — one that honours the child’s right to be heard while maintaining the integrity of the mediation process.

Ultimately, certification protects children, supports families, and strengthens the professionalism of the field.

Initial Training for everyone who wants to be a VOCP

To Start with Training: Entry Requirements

• NQF Level 5 qualification: diploma or degree.
• Background or experience in working with children (e.g., teaching, social work,      community work, child protection, youth work).
• Complete a VOCP Foundational Course (minimum 40 hours or more ) covering:
  • Child development (cognitive, emotional, linguistic, psychosocial), Trauma understanding.
  • Family law relevant to divorce and child participation
  • Interviewing and consultation techniques
  • The VOC process vs. therapy or forensic roles
  • Systems impacting children (family, school, community, religion)
  • The VOC mandate, ethics, and scope of practice
  • Cultural and socio-economic awareness

This training ensures that practitioners gain essential knowledge and skills to conduct child- friendly consultations with clarity about their role.

Steps of Training and Certification Process

Step 1: VOCP Course 1: Foundation & Framework

Complete a 40-hour or more theoretical course.

• Learn foundational theory.

Step 2: Practical Application courses(see courses available) or your engagement

Submit two written VOC reports based on scenarios or practical work.

• Submit one video recording of a VOC session (real or simulated), demonstrating: o Use of tools and engagement techniques.
  o Safe and ethical application of child participation principles.
• Feedback report and a Certificate of Attendance.

Step 3: Shadowing and Supervision (Only applicable if no previous VOC sessions has been done):

• Shadow two VOC sessions with a qualified VOCP practitioner.
• Attend at least one supervised VOC feedback session.

Step 4: Compilation of Portfolio of Evidence (POE)

Submit a complete POE to the VOCCB CERTIFICATION Board containing:

• Two VOC reports.
• One video recording of a VOC session.
• Copies of tools used in the session.
• Reflective learning notes.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements (Core Competencies) for a VOCP

VOCPs must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Proficiency in communicating and building rapport with children of different ages and maturity levels
• Awareness and detection of parental alienation (including its indicators and psychological presentation)
• Knowledge of:
  • Educational challenges and school systems
  • Common psychological and psychiatric conditions (e.g. ADHD, ASD,anxiety, learning disorders)
• Ability to identify and interpret non-verbal communication and obtain the child’s voice through age-appropriate means
• Understanding that a child’s voice includes context, not only spoken word
• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, and socio-economic influences on the child’s views

Legal and Regulatory Framework – Where the VOCP fits in…

The VOC process is underpinned by the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, specifically:

• Section 6(4): Requires that any proceedings or actions involving a child must respect and promote the child’s participation.
• Section 6(5): Emphasizes the importance of giving due consideration to the child’s views in all matters affecting them.
• Section 10: Ensures that a child capable of participating has the right to express their views in any matter concerning them.
• Regulation 10(2)(a) and 10(2)(b) of the Department of Social Development: Guide the role of mediation and child participation in parenting plans.
• Form 10: States that a suitably qualified person must confirm that the parenting plan was prepared following mediation.

Understand The VOC Process?

The VOC process is a structured, child-focused approach designed to ensure children’s voices are heard in family law matters. It includes:

• A qualified VOC practitioner engaging with the child in a safe, neutral environment.
• Using child-friendly techniques to elicit their views and concerns.
• Providing a report that aligns with the pre-scripts of the Children’s Act and parenting plan regulations.
• Ensuring that if the contact arrangements differ from the child’s initial views, this is properly discussed and documented.
• At the end of mediation, discussing the final parenting plan with the child.
• The mediator assisting parents in co-parenting strategies as outlined in the parenting plan.
• Ensuring that VOC practitioners do not interpret the child’s views but rather present them as expressed, maintaining the integrity of the child’s voice within the legal framework.

Certification Framework to Establish Credibility and Oversight

• Aligning with SAQA Requirements – Collaborate with relevant South African authorities to formalise VOC practitioner accreditation and recognise a VOCP as a profession.
• Incorporating International Standards – Learning from global best practices, including frameworks from countries with established VOC certification models.
• Ongoing Supervision and Auditing – Establishing continuous professional development and case audits to maintain high standards.

Assessment and Certification by a board

• Board assesses the POE against core competencies, ethics, and child-focused practice standards.
• Candidates who meet the criteria are issued an Official Certification.
• Certified practitioners are added to the National VOCP Register.

Ongoing Requirements

• Annual CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points are required to maintain certification.
• Regular peer group participation and supervision is recommended.
• Align with your professional body, your certification and your VOC mandate.

The framework ensures that all practitioners:

• Understand their role limitations
• Are trained and equipped for the unique and sensitive task of listening to children
• Provide safe, child-focused consultations that feed into legal or mediation processes without overstepping into therapeutic or forensic domains.