CHILD INCLUSIVE MEDIATION (CIM)

​What is Child Inclusive Mediation?
 
Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM), previously known as Direct Child Consultation (DCC), also referred to as speaking with a child with Mediation or “The Voice of the Child”.
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Research has been undertaken and it has been identified that children being spoken to within the Mediation process benefits everyone – the children/ child as well as their parents/ carers. This is regardless of whether or not the views of the children are adopted by their parents/ carers.
 
CIM enables the parents/ carers to have a better understanding of the wishes and feelings of their child/ children about their lives. This can assist parents/ carers in making arrangements and decisions that are right for all of their families, as it ensures they can take into account their children’s voices, about their changing.
 
The process does not place pressure upon children to decide arrangements or resolve parental / carer conflict. Children are not expected to take responsibility to make arrangements or dictate to their parents/ carers what should happen.
 
It is expected that children may be consulted about the arrangements which are being made for their care, whenever it is safe and suitable to do so.

How does Child Inclusive Mediation work?
 
Child Inclusive Mediators have to undergo additional and specialist training and have experience before this service can be offered. 
CIM can be facilitated to meet the specific needs of children and ensures that meetings take place in a safe and confidential environment (subject to safeguarding)
There is a presumption that consideration should be given to a child, who aged 10 years or over, should have some involvement with the arrangements that are made for them. It is possible to meet with younger children although it wouldn’t be usual to involve a child under the age of 5years.
 
Children can be met individually or with siblings or both.
 
Parents and children must all consent to us seeing a child/ children within the Mediation process. The process can not take place without this.
 
CIM is not always appropriate. If it is suitable, parental/ carer consent will be sought in writing and the child/ children will be invited to meet with us, if they want to. Whilst most children welcome an opportunity to talk, this is not always the case – this is fine. We will discuss with you in detail the appropriateness of CIM in your specific circumstances.
 
Views of children will be shared verbally only. They will be provided in wording that they, the children, authorise. No information will be shared unless the children have consented to, in the knowledge their parents wish to hear their views.
Meetings with children can take place remotely or at one of the office spaces we utilise.

Why is Child Inclusive Mediation important?
 
Conflict and family separation, is stressful, difficult and distressing for the whole family, including children. It can have a lasting impact upon mental and physical health, wellness, future life choices and opportunities as well as day to day arrangements – of the whole family.
Children often understand that there is conflict and that separation is occurring this often results in uncertainty, bewilderment, confusion, sadness and frustration. This can often be exasperated by a sense of having no say in their own life.
CIM demonstrates, emphasises and reassures children that their parents respect their right to be heard and provides an opportunity for them to take their views, opinions and needs into consideration, when they as parents are making arrangements.
Children have confidence to speak freely in CIM, knowing that they have control over what information is shared within the process.
Some children, in our experience have a lot of thoughts, ideas and views on their circumstances and how they could be changed, others do not – this is ok! It is important to children to have an opportunity to speak and be listened to, without them being placed under pressure. It can be helpful for children to have an opportunity to explore their views, worries, concerns and ideas.

Child Inclusive Mediation can give children a voice and help families to focus on the things that matter to their children.

How we can help?
 
We have experienced, specialist team of Child Inclusive Mediators, who can explain and undertake the process, if appropriate, of talking with a child or children.
We are committed to assisting families in safely exploring all of the options available to them and where possible enable them to make informed decisions, which meet the needs of their whole family – this can be assisted by your children’s views.
Contact us to explore how we maybe able to assist. Please be aware that our Mediators can not explore the substantive details and nature of your difficulties outside of the Mediation process.
 
Additional information relating to Child Inclusive Mediation can be accessed
 
Toms story (university of Exeter’s The Rights Project) https://youtu.be/wo-JteJOTjQ
 
Family Mediation Council Mediation Is Not Only for Adults! - Family Mediation Council