Child Inclusive Mediation

Research has shown that children can benefit by having their say about changes in the family and to be involved in planning the future

The focus of family mediation is putting children's needs first. Research has shown that children can benefit by having their say about changes in the family and to be involved in planning the future.

FMIS offer the option of specially trained, DBS checked mediators meeting individually with the children to hear their views on the things that their parents or guardians have been discussing in mediation. This specialised service is known as 'Child Inclusive Mediation'.

We always first discuss with participants to mediation whether it would be appropriate to consult separately with children of a suitable age as to how their voice will be heard in the process.

Children have to give their consent to be involved and have the same right to confidentiality as their parents.

Key points about talking to children in mediation are:

  • Both parents, (or all those with parental responsibility) must give consent for the children to be invited to meet a mediator
  • Children are free to decline the invitation
  • Children's confidentiality is respected at all times unless a serious risk of harm is shown to exist
  • Both parents accept the privacy of the meeting
  • The mediator will agree with the children what may be fed back to the parents.

    • Contact Us

    Telephone
    01273 694661
    (9.30am to 5.30pm Mon to Fri)
    Email
    admin@fmis.org.uk
    Locations throughout Sussex