Child Inclusive mediation
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Child Inclusive Mediation
“Every child has the right to express their views, feelings & wishes in all matters affecting them, and to have their views considered and taken seriously. This right applies at all times, for example during immigration proceedings, housing decisions or the child’s day to day home life.”
The above except is taken from UNICEF’s summary of Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which came into force in the United Kingdom in 1992.
To facilitate this, Child Mediation is a service carried out by mediators who have special, additional training in this area. It involves meeting with the children of around the age of 10 upwards face to face, independently with a specially trained mediator who will help them to talk about the changes in their family. This intervention enables children to voice their concerns and identify things that are important to them, and helps parents to develop child-focused arrangements that address the specific needs of their children.
Able Mediation as a family mediator, offer this session for the child, or children, free of charge as part of our social mission.
Why is Child Mediation Important?
- Children have a strong desire to please both their parents. So, when parents are separating or divorcing children may conceal their feelings to avoid hurting their parents or making the situation worse. This can create feelings of stress and anxiety in them. The ability to express feelings can relieve this. Child Mediation helps children voice their views independently to someone who is committed to ensuring that their perspective is brought into parent’s discussions about arrangements for them.
- Parents are often in such a chaotic and emotional state themselves that they can find it difficult and painful to truly focus on how their children are coping and what they need. The Child Mediation Service gives parents the opportunity to make decisions from an informed position.
- Although children involved in mediation generally don’t want to make decisions about their care, they do want to be given the opportunity to talk about their experiences and have their voices heard. “A number of studies… have identified that children and young people feel insufficiently consulted by parents and by practitioners about the contact arrangements that directly involve them.” (Making Contact: Liz Trinder, Mary Beek & Jo Connolly, 2002.)
The Child Mediation Process
Arranging child-only meetings
The Child-Only Meetings
After THe Child-Only Meeting
It is important to understand that Child Mediation is not counselling. It is an opportunity for children to express their feelings and talk about their experiences in a safe and supported environment, but not explore them deeply.
If your child needs more support counselling may be helpful for them. This can be accessed through private services, but is also often available to children through their schools Early Help scheme, on request. In addition, services can be accessed through the NHS by GP referral. Some services also accept referrals from parents. You will also find contact information for organisations that provide emotional support for adults and children on our resources page here.
Contact us to discuss your issues