Children Inclusive Mediation — Donna Cooper Mediation

Child Inclusive Family Dispute Resolution

What is child inclusive family dispute resolution?

In some cases, particularly when discussing arrangements for older children, it can assist for children’s and young people’s perspectives to be considered.

Children and young people do not attend the family dispute resolution session but speak to a highly trained child consultant prior to the day of the family dispute resolution session.

When it is appropriate?

If parents are interested in child inclusive family dispute resolution, they will be referred to one of our partner child consultants. He or she will speak to both parents separately and assess whether the process will be suitable. If the case is appropriate, the child consultant will organise to speak with the children prior to the mediation session.

Who speaks to the children/ young people?

A highly trained psychologist will speak to the children to ask them about their perspectives and how they are managing after separation.

When children are older, they may want to put forward their views about what parenting arrangements they would feel comfortable with.

What information do parents receive about the discussions?

The child consultant will attend the family dispute resolution session and share the children’s perspectives with the parents and FDRP. The child consultant will also provide expert guidance about what to consider when developing parenting arrangements to suit the needs of children.