What is child Inclusive Mediation?

If you are trying to agree on child arrangements as part of your divorce or separation, it can often assist for the children, depending on their ages, to have their hopes and wishes taken into consideration.

Child Inclusive Mediation is a structured process whereby a qualified Child Inclusive Mediator speaks to the children to ascertain their wishes and feelings. Both parents need to be in agreement for the child or children to be spoken to. If the child or children give permission, then their wishes and feelings can be shared by the mediator with the parents in a separate feedback meeting, and the parents can then use this information to help them agree on the child arrangements moving forward.

What is the theory behind Child Inclusive Mediation?

The basic theory is that children, generally speaking, have a right to have their voices heard when decisions are made about them. They like to be consulted in the process and feel that their voices have been listened to. It is also aligned with our legal system, which emphasises the need for the children’s wishes and feelings to be considered and their right to be consulted in decisions that affect them.

Can any mediator offer Child Inclusive Mediation?

No. For the mediator to see the child or children, they have to have undertaken a specialist course in Child Inclusive Mediation. If both parents agree to Child Inclusive Mediation at the first joint meeting, the mediator should ask both parents to share and discuss their views of Child Inclusive Mediation.

Will the child/children be asked to make a decision on who they want to live with?

No. The mediator will not ask the child to make a choice or decision. They will be asked a series of open questions designed to seek out their wishes and feelings.

What are the benefits of Child Inclusive Mediation?

• The children have the opportunity to meet an independent person.
• They can express their wishes and feelings without fear or worry.
• As parents, you will receive structured feedback which will help you make informed choices and decisions.
• Allowing the children to contribute to the process may well help you make even better arrangements for them.

Book a free initial consultation with our experienced mediator, Kellie-Jayne Cox, to explain the process to you in more detail and establish whether mediation is the right route for you.

Contact Kellie-Jayne Cox at kjcox@biscoes-law.co.uk or telephone 01420 550543.