In July 2014 the Right Honourable Simon Hughes MP and Minister of State for Justice and Civil Liberties in the UK stated:
“It cannot be right that any parents can mediate an agreement affecting their child or children…..in the absence of the children’s voice being heard.”
From there the UK government commissioned a report known as the Voice of the Child Report. Many recommendations were made, and subsequently adopted, suggesting children should have the opportunity to be heard in any discussions concerning arrangements which involve them. In particular such opportunities should be afforded to children in the mediation process.
At Crowther Mediation, whilst we welcome this opportunity for children, we take this responsibility very seriously. Consulting directly with children in the mediation process can be extremely daunting for both parents and children alike. We want to reassure parents that our aim is to obtain your child’s wishes and feeling for their future in a way that is appropriate to their age and understanding.
Discussions with children shall remain confidential (with exceptions), giving children the freedom they need to discuss the matters that concern them the most. A trained mediator will then aim to help children share their thoughts and concerns with their parents via the mediation process.
Crowther Mediation is committed to getting this process right for children. We want to obtain their views in the most appropriate way and empower them to share those views with their parents via the mediator. We also want to be able to provide ongoing care and support for the children and their whole family, if necessary, and for this we have a network of professionals in the UK who can assist.
Fees:
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.