[1] A Child and Family Reporter (CFR) is appointed by the court to gather and report factual information in cases involving the care and custody of minor children and other matters bearing on the interests or rights of children under Iowa Code chapters 598 and 600B. A CFR report provides a brief assessment of home conditions, parenting capabilities, and other matters pertinent to the best interests of the child. The court may appoint an attorney, a mental health professional, or another individual whom the court believes is able to carry out the CFR role.[2] The purpose of these standards is to provide guidance for CFRs, to promote uniformity, consistency, and accountability in CFR reports; to promote respect for the rights of parties and their children; and to improve custody, visitation, and other outcomes for children.[3] These standards do not add obligations to the Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct, but like the comments to those rules, they provide guidance to those serving as CFRs in custody cases for practicing in compliance with the CFRs professional ethical obligations and rules of professional conduct. In the event of any conflict between these standards and a rule of professional conduct for attorneys, the requirements of the rule take precedence.Iowa. Stand. Prac. Child. And. Fami. Repo. Cust. Case. I
Court Order 8/28/2018; court Order effective 7/1/2023.