Rachael Oakes and I recently attended a training course, in our capacity as a family mediators, regarding child inclusive mediation. Following submission of an assessment we are both now able to meet with children as part of the family mediation process.
The training re-emphasised to me the importance of ensuring children’s wishes and views, where appropriate, are given an opportunity to be heard. This does not move the decision making to the child but gives parents the ability to make informed decisions about the decisions following separation with often powerful comments and views from their children.
Children can only be involved in mediation if both parents and the child agree, and the mediator considers it appropriate.
If you would like to know more about child inclusive mediation please do not hesitate to contact me.
While you might be doing your best to protect your child from the impact of separation, children will often pick up on many of these emotions and experiences and might need to talk about the situation you are all now facing. Children can feel caught in the middle between their parents. With all that is happening after separation some parents may be focusing on the routine of day to day parenting without really listening to what their children are telling them.
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