Category: Child inclusive mediation

Child inclusive mediation, Parenting

What are the benefits of Child-Inclusive Mediation for Blended Families

If you’re reading this, you’re probably a parent in a blended family, striving to create a happy home environment. We understand that co-parenting can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain, especially in a blended family setup. You want to make sure everyone’s voice is heard, especially the children. This is where child-inclusive mediation steps in, and it might just be the solution you need. Child-inclusive mediation has benefits for blended families, not just separated families. So, what is child-inclusive mediation? It’s a process where children are given a chance to share their feelings and thoughts about family matters in a […]

Child drawing
Child inclusive mediation, Mediation, Parenting

Creating safe spaces for children in mediation: The Child Consultant’s approach in child inclusive mediation

As a Child Consultant and Social Worker deeply invested in the field of child-inclusive mediation, I’ve experienced firsthand the crucial role that creating a safe and comfortable environment plays in effectively engaging children in the mediation process. It is only when children feel secure, valued, and respected that they can freely express their thoughts and feelings. The very nature of mediation – discussing and resolving potentially contentious family issues – can be daunting for children. But research continually underscores the importance of children’s participation in matters that affect their lives (Cashmore & Parkinson, 2008; McIntosh, Wells, Smyth & Long, 2008). […]

2 children on a hammock
Child inclusive mediation, Mediation, Parenting

The Superior Outcomes of Child-Inclusive Mediation: A Mediator’s Perspective

As a mediator experienced in both traditional and child-inclusive mediation practice, I have witnessed how the inclusion of children’s voices can profoundly shape the process and outcomes of mediation. Research has consistently shown that child-inclusive mediation often results in more sustainable and satisfactory agreements than traditional mediation, benefiting both children and parents (McIntosh, Wells, Smyth & Long, 2008). Benefits for children of child-inclusive mediation The most immediate beneficiaries of child-inclusive mediation are the children themselves. In traditional mediation, children’s perspectives are often shared indirectly, filtered through the views and biases of the adults involved. However, child-inclusive mediation provides children with […]

A boy hugging a girl
Child inclusive mediation, Mediation

Child-inclusive Mediation | A case study in success

How Child-Inclusive Mediation brought resolution for Lucy, Mark, Tim, and Rose When Lucy and Mark decided to end their relationship, they found themselves in a deadlock over managing how their new family would work. Despite their deep love for their children, five-year-old Tim and eleven-year-old Rose, conflicting viewpoints meant they hadn’t been able to reach an agreement in traditional mediation. Jennifer, their mediator, suggested an alternative: child-inclusive mediation. Lucy and Mark agreed to introduce Tim and Rose to a Child Consultant, Leanne, a highly trained professional who works with Untying the Knot and specialises in giving children a safe space […]

social worker and mediator in mediation
Child inclusive mediation, Mediation

What is the benefit of having a social worker in mediation?

In mediation, a social worker and a mediator can work together to help you reach a mutually satisfactory agreement regarding the care of your children or your finances. Here are some of the benefits of having a social worker in mediation, alongside the mediator: The biggest benefit of having a social worker in mediation? Their skills One of the most important benefits of having a social worker in mediation is that they can provide information and resources to help you make informed decisions about your children’s well-being. A social worker can assess your family’s needs and offer support and guidance […]

child inclusive family mediation benefits children
Child inclusive mediation, Mediation

Child-inclusive family mediation: the benefits for children

Child-inclusive family mediation is a form of parenting mediation or family dispute resolution that involves children in the conflict resolution process. This can be especially useful in family law cases where children’s well-being and best interests are a primary concern. What benefits does child-inclusive mediation offer for children? Expressing thoughts and feelings Children are often affected by their parents’ conflicts and may have thoughts and feelings about the situation. Child-inclusive family mediation allows children to have a voice in the resolution process and can help them feel heard and understood, whilst also explaining to them that they do not have […]

Do mothers have more rights than fathers in australian family law
Child inclusive mediation, Parenting

Do Mothers have more rights than Fathers in Australia?

Sometimes fathers feel like mothers have more rights than fathers in Australia’s family law system.  But the truth is, unlike some other countries, there is no gender bias in the Family Law Act.  The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia are required to make orders that are in the best interests of children, regardless of the parent’s gender or sexual orientation. What rights do fathers have in Australian family law? Fathers don’t have rights in Australian family law. But nor do mothers.  Yes, you read that right!   The way our family law system is structured, it is children who […]

Christmas school holidays
Child inclusive mediation, Mediation, Parenting

Christmas school holidays parenting deadline

The Christmas school holidays can be exciting times for families.  But if you haven’t been able to work out how the kids will spend time with each parent over Christmas, it can also be stressful.  How can I get time with my kids over the Christmas holidays? Each year, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia deal with applications for parenting time.  And each year, they set a deadline of the second Friday in November for an application to be filed for the Christmas school holidays.  If you don’t file by then, you miss the deadline and may not […]