What is Child Inclusive Mediation?
Child Inclusive Mediation provides children with the opportunity to speak safely and meaningfully about their experience through play and discussion with a qualified child consultant. The child is not directly involved in the mediation, allowing children to be involved in their parent’s negotiation process while still shielding them from any conflict and limiting their exposure to the family law process as much as possible.
Prior to Mediation, parents will appoint a child consultant, who will meet with the children separately from their parents. The child consultant is a highly trained specialist, who utilises specific skills to gain a genuine understanding of the child or young person’s needs and experiences. In their session with the children, a Child Consultant explore a wide range of topics, which may include:
The child consultant typically approaches these topics in a subtle, rather than a direct and confronting, manner, such as by engaging in games with the child.
A child consultant has numerous roles, including:
As with other forms of mediation, information obtained through Child Inclusive Mediation is confidential, and is not admissible in Court.
What are the benefits to Child-Inclusive Mediation?
Child Inclusive Mediation provides a child the opportunity to express their views, giving them a voice without fear of upsetting either of their parents. It allows children to be included in the decision making process, without putting undue stress or pressure on them. It allows all parties to gain deeper understanding of how their child is feeling or coping with the separation process or current and future parenting arrangements, ensuring that all parties are consistently focussed on the child’s best interests.
When should you engage in a Child Inclusive Mediation?
Child Inclusive mediation can be extremely beneficial for children who are of an age where they can express an independent view of their wishes. For small children, it can be difficult to understand and articulate their views. In these circumstances, Child Inclusive Mediation may not be appropriate.
Child Inclusive Mediation is not suitable for all families. Our family law solicitors can make a careful assessment to determine whether Child Inclusive Mediation is a safe and appropriate option for the children involved. This is particularly necessary in high-conflict cases, or situations involving a history of family violence.
If you believe that your family may benefit from Child Inclusive mediation, or are wondering whether this may be a suitable process for you, reach out to our experienced team of specialist Sydney family lawyers. We have family lawyers in North Sydney, Leichhardt and the CBD who are here to help you with their experience in all parenting matters following separation.
