Confused by Child Inclusive Mediation?

They are seen in separate meetings to which everyone has to consent, including the child.

It is also confusing in that Child Inclusive Mediation is often referred to as replacing Direct Child Consultation. This suggests that the child is being consulted on something – generally an issue that the parents are grappling with and are finding it difficult to resolve in mediation. However, it is very much the case that Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) works best when it is not used to help with a specific issue.

The main message is that everything is private and confidential (with safeguarding exceptions) unless the child agrees that they will provide feedback. The feedback is agreed precisely with them and then is read to the parents in the post CIM meeting.

No written record is provided for the parents and no report can be prepared for solicitors or the courts. The feedback is oral only and is designed to assist the parents in their decision making as parents but also to improve family relationships and the outcome for the child. Research shows that just being asked how they are doing, improves wellbeing outcomes for children. Hopefully, the more courts, solicitors, parents and children experience Child Inclusive Mediation the more well-known its advantages and ambit will become.