What is child inclusive mediation (CIM)? In short, it is a specialised form of family mediation that allows your child to express their views while you and your co-parent plan your future arrangements. At Family Mediation Services, we understand that separation affects children profoundly. Therefore, we offer them a safe and supportive way to be heard.
What Is Child Inclusive Mediation?
Child Inclusive Mediation is a structured process in which an accredited mediator meets your child privately. The mediator listens to your child’s thoughts, worries and wishes. Then the mediator shares the key messages with you in a careful, sensitive way. You remain responsible for the final decisions. Your child simply gains a voice.
This step matters because the conflict between parents often overshadows the child’s voice. Solicitors, courts and mediators encounter this problem repeatedly. In addition, UK law and the UNCRC (the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) both stress the importance of hearing children. Watch this short video to learn more.
What Is Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) and How Does It Work?
First, consider the age rule. Normally, at least one of your children must reach the minimum age that your accredited mediator specifies. However, the age of any sibling does not matter. Normally, the mediator includes all your children, but the decision rests with you as parents.
Next, look at the sessions. CIM normally adds two sessions on top of the usual two to three sessions for child arrangement cases. As a result, the overall process takes slightly longer, but it gives your child a meaningful opportunity to participate.
Importantly, your child does not make the decisions. The mediator works hard to ensure your child never feels they are making the decisions. Similarly, if your case went to court, you would not have the choice to refuse your child’s voice being heard there.
How Does Child Inclusive Mediation Help Children?
First, it gives children a genuine opportunity to speak. Instead of guessing what your child thinks, you hear their perspective directly. Also, children feel respected during an emotionally difficult time.
Many parents worry that involving children will increase the pressure on them. In practice, a trained professional manages the conversation carefully, so your child can express emotions without feeling responsible for the outcome. Consequently, the mediator protects your child’s wellbeing throughout the entire process, and your family gains a clearer understanding of everyone’s needs.
It helps you, too. CIM gives you an opportunity to hear whether your child has creative ideas about your proposed plans. For example, your child may suggest a handover routine that works better on school days. As a result, your final arrangements may become more practical and better suited to the whole family.
In addition, you may discover that your child has questions about your relationship and the break-up. Therefore, you and your co-parent can prepare thoughtful, honest answers together.
Take the Next Step
Would you like to know if child inclusive mediation suits your family? Speak to an accredited mediator at Family Mediation Services today. Call us on 0300 365 2700 or email at admin@familymediationservices.co.uk. We will explain your options, discuss the arrangements and answer every question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Child inclusive mediation is a recognised type of family mediation in which an accredited mediator meets your child to understand their views and feelings. Your mediator then shares those views with you, so you can make better plans together.
It gives your child a safe, neutral environment to share feelings and ideas. As a result, children feel acknowledged, and parents understand their emotional needs more clearly.
At least one child must reach your mediator’s minimum age. However, sibling ages do not matter, and the mediator normally includes all your children.
CIM normally adds two sessions to the usual two to three sessions for child arrangement cases.
No. You make the decisions as parents. Your mediator ensures your child never feels responsible for the outcome.
An accredited mediator at Family Mediation Services meets your child and guides you through the process. Contact us to learn more.
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