What is child inclusive mediation?
Child-inclusive mediation brings a child's own views into their parents' family dispute resolution, without the child attending the mediation.
A trained child consultant meets the child separately, listens, and then tells both parents and the mediator what the child has said and how the child is managing the separation.
The parents then mediate with that in front of them.
Why a child's views matter
Any views expressed by the child are one of the six considerations a court must weigh in deciding what parenting arrangements are in a child's best interests, under section 60CC(2) of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth).
A court hears those views through a family consultant or an independent children's lawyer. Child-inclusive mediation lets parents hear them first, directly and privately, and build their own agreement around them.
Two professionals, two roles
Child-inclusive mediation involves two separate professionals. Nathan Laing, as the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, runs the mediation with the parents.
A child consultant, a psychologist or counsellor trained in working with children after separation, meets the child.
The consultant does not take sides, does not assess which parent is right, and does not write a report for court. Their job is to give the child a safe place to speak and to carry what they hear back to the parents in a way the child has agreed to.
Who it suits
Child-inclusive mediation usually suits children of school age who are old enough to talk about how things are for them, and parents who are prepared to hear it.
Both parents must agree to it.
It is not appropriate where there are safety concerns for the child or a parent, where a child is too young or does not want to take part, or where a parent intends to use what the child says against the other.
Nathan and the consultant assess suitability before anything is arranged, and the child is told, in language that suits their age, what will and will not be passed on.
What it costs
The child consultant's fee is in addition to the mediation fee and is quoted before the parents commit. Nathan's mediation fees are published.
Next
How child-inclusive mediation runs, step by step, and who conducts it are set out on the following pages. Send an enquiry or call French Quarter Chambers on (07) 5618 8218.