Child Inclusive Mediation
What is Child
Inclusive Mediation
When parents come to mediation they frequently discuss what their lives will look like now they have separated and fundamental to their decision making is what will be best for the children.
As you might imagine children also have concerns about the changes taking place in their family and will have worries about what lies ahead, for example :
- Where will they live?
- Will they stay in the same house?
- How will they see both of their parents?
- What about their friends, clubs, school, activities?
- How about family pets … will they see the dog?
- What about Grandma and Grandad?
Mediation Voucher Scheme
Mediation voucher scheme: £500 vouchers are available to eligible mediation clients discussing arrangements for their children. Please ask Manjit Kaur Gill on mgill@talkandresolve.co.uk to see if you might be eligible. Details of the scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/family-mediation-voucher-scheme
Understanding Child Inclusive Mediation
Child Inclusive Mediation gives children a voice and the chance to express their worries and concerns while their parents are in mediation, without the pressure of feeling responsible for decisions or feeling like they have to choose sides.
We understand that during times of uncertainty, children appreciate being able to share their concerns and contribute to plans for the future. Your mediator will explain how your children can be involved, and if you both agree, the mediator will arrange a separate meeting with your children apart from the sessions held with you and your ex-partner.
These meetings can be set up at a time that suits everyone and usually take place in a neutral setting such as the office or a school building after school hours.
Having a Voice
Research findings show that above all else children want you, as their parents, to reassure them that life will go on and will be fine, that they are not to blame for your split, and that you are going to work together for them.
But crucially they want to have a say. It is after all their life too.
The Benefits
- It’s confidential.
- You can develop ideas and try out arrangements to see if they work for the whole family, without being constrained by court orders or statutory involvement, such as local authority or Cafcass.
- It’s voluntary everybody agrees to try it.
- It helps you develop new methods of communication and prevents the children from becoming the messenger.
When are Children Involved?
1
2
3
4
Child Inclusive Mediation - Explained for Children
What is Child Inclusive Mediation?
Mediation is when your parents sit down with a special person called a mediator to talk about important things. Sometimes, the mediator also talks to children to find out how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking. This is called child-inclusive mediation.
If you want your parents to understand how you’re feeling and what matters to you, child-inclusive mediation can help them listen to your views and consider your wishes when making decisions.
What Happens?
- Meeting the Mediator - You’ll meet one of our mediators in a place you feel comfortable in. This could be your school or could be in the mediator’s office, but it will be a safe space. If you wanted to you could bring a toy or something that makes you feel more comfortable.
- Talking Time - The mediator will talk to you about your thoughts and your feelings. Don’t worry there are no right or wrong answers, they just want you to say what’s on your mind.
- Fun Activities: Sometimes, you might play games or draw pictures to help share your ideas.