All parents making the decision to divorce or separate worry that it will hurt their children and affect their lives.
Child mediation works because it helps parents reach agreements and make decisions about arrangements for their children. Research shows agreements reached in mediation last longer and work better than court imposed arrangements.
“Over 40% of children in Britain experience parental separation or divorce.”
Office for National Statistics
Many children feel left out of the decision making process and do not feel their voices are heard or they are listened to.
Child inclusive mediation
Child Inclusive Mediation means your child/children can talk about how they are feeling and what they think about the current situation and ways in which it could be improved. They will not be expected to be responsible for making decisions or have to choose between their parents.
The trained child consultant will listen to what the child says and how they are feeling and, with the child’s consent will share that information with the parents.
Family Matters’ child consultants have specialist training and extensive experience in this area. All the staff at Family Matters are DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked.
Family Matters offers child consultation in Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and the Humber.
Watch a video outlining young people’s rights when parents separate, created by The University of Exeter, The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) and The National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC)
Top tips for parents who are separated.
The Family Justice Young People Board (FYJPB) members are children and young people with experience of family law proceedings. They have devised these to tips for parents to help them think about matters from their childs perspective.
‘LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD’
