We provide a compassionate and supportive child inclusive mediation service for families across the North East, including Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and York. We’re committed to ensuring children’s voices are heard in a way that’s suitable for their age – offering reassurance to parents and empowering children throughout the process.
What is Child Inclusive Mediation?
Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) is a specialised form of family mediation that gives children a safe and confidential space to express their thoughts and feelings during disputes involving separation or divorce. It’s a child-focused mediation approach designed to ensure the child’s voice is heard without placing them in the middle of conflict.
At Crowther Mediation UK, we believe children should feel seen, heard, and respected during times of family change. Child inclusive mediation allows trained mediators to speak directly with children, helping parents make more informed and child-sensitive decisions.
When is Child Inclusive Mediation Considered?
Child inclusive mediation is typically considered in cases involving:
- Disputes over child arrangements
- Parental separation or divorce
- Concerns around co-parenting dynamics
- A child expressing distress or uncertainty about living arrangements
Children aged 10 and above are usually considered suitable for Child Inclusive Mediation, although younger children may be involved depending on their maturity and individual circumstances.
How does Child Inclusive Mediation work?
The child mediation process follows a clear and supportive structure:
1. Initial Parent Mediation Session
Both parents meet separately or together with the mediator to assess the suitability of child inclusive mediation.
2. Consent from Both Parents
CIM only proceeds if both parents agree to include the child in the process.
3. Child Consultation
A specially trained child-inclusive mediator meets with the child in a neutral, supportive setting. The conversation is confidential and designed to help the child feel safe and in control.
4. Feedback to Parents
With the child’s consent, the mediator shares relevant insights with the parents during the next mediation session to help guide decisions.
5. Ongoing Mediation
Parents continue the child-focused mediation process with a better understanding of the child’s needs and preferences.
What is the role of the Parent during the process?
Parents play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment before and after their child participates in CIM. They should:
- Be open to hearing their child’s perspective
- Reassure the child that they are not responsible for the decisions
- Avoid pressuring or coaching the child before the session
- Respect the confidentiality of the process
What is the role of the Mediator?
Our accredited child-inclusive mediators:
- Ensure the child feels safe, heard, and respected
- Create a neutral and supportive space for the child to speak freely
- Facilitate communication between the child and parents
- Maintain confidentiality, only sharing feedback with parental consent from the child
Benefits of Child Inclusive Mediation
- Gives children a voice in decisions that affect them
- Reduces misunderstandings between parents and children
- Encourages cooperative and informed parenting decisions
- Reduces the risk of court involvement
- Helps children feel valued and emotionally supported
- Promotes child well-being during family transitions
Child Inclusive Mediation Costs
On-line Direct consultation with child/children
£300 + VAT
Face to face direct consultation with children
£400 + VAT
These costs are to be shared equally between parents. Each parent will then be responsible for their own subsequent mediation fees prior to the child consultation and the subsequent feed back session to discuss the outcome of the child consultation.
Child Inclusive Mediation FAQs
1. What questions does a mediator ask a child?
Mediators ask open-ended and age-appropriate questions to understand the child’s feelings, wishes, and concerns. Typically these questions will centre around the issues raised by the parents.
2. How does mediation work in child custody (residence)?
Child custody (residence) mediation helps parents make practical and mutually agreed decisions regarding where the child lives and how time is shared.
3. At what age can a child participate in mediation?
Children aged 10 and above are generally invited to participate, but this depends on maturity and individual circumstances.
4. Will my child be forced to participate?
No. Participation is entirely voluntary, and a child will never be pressured into a session.
5. How is my child’s privacy protected in mediation?
The session is confidential. Nothing will be shared with parents unless the child gives permission. The mediator will also explain any safeguarding exceptions upfront.
6. Does Child Inclusive Mediation mean my child decides the outcome of mediation?
No. While the child’s views are taken seriously, decisions are still made by the parents, informed by what is in the child’s best interests.
7. How long does the child mediation process take?
The process typically includes one session with the child, followed by a feedback session with the parents. Overall timelines vary based on the complexity of the family situation.
7. How can I prepare my child for mediation?
Be honest but reassuring. Let your child know they are not being asked to make decisions, and it’s simply a chance to share how they feel.
Ready to give your child a voice?
Contact Crowther Mediation UK today to discuss whether child inclusive mediation is right for your family. We’re here to guide you with compassion, experience, and professionalism.
