Helping children feel heard.
CHILD-INCLUSIVE MEDIATION
When parents separate, children often have thoughts and feelings they struggle to express. Child-Inclusive Mediation gives children the opportunity to share their experiences with a specially trained family mediator in a safe, supportive environment.
Their voice helps parents make informed, child-focused decisions - without asking children to choose sides or make decisions for the adults.
Child-focused
Your child's wellbeing remains at the centre of every conversation.
Safe to be heard
Children can express how they are feeling in a supportive, neutral environment.
Specially trained
Our FMCA-accredited mediators are trained in Child-Inclusive Mediation.
Better family decisions
Parents gain valuable insight that can help create practical, child-centred arrangements.
How Child-Inclusive Mediation Works
Parents Attend MIAMs
Each parent attends a separate MIAM to discuss whether Child-Inclusive Mediation is suitable and whether everyone is willing to take part.
Joint mediation session
Parents attend mediation together to discuss the issues affecting their family and decide whether involving their child could help.
Mediator Meets with Your Child
If appropriate, a specially trained Child-Inclusive Mediator meets with your child in a safe, neutral environment. Participation is always voluntary, and your child decides what they would like to share.
Parents Hear Their Child's Voice
With your child's permission, the mediator shares the agreed feedback during a follow-up mediation session, helping parents make informed, child-centred decisions.
Is Child-Inclusive Mediation right for your family?
It may be suitable if...
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Both parents agree
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Your child wishes to participate
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You want decisions centred around your child's needs
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You'd like to better understand your child's perspective
It may not be appropriate if...
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There are safeguarding concerns
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Your child does not wish to participate
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The mediator believes it is not suitable
Why Choose Child-Inclusive Mediation
Children feel listened to
Children often value having a neutral adult who
listens without judgement.
Better
communication
Parents frequently find it easier to work together after hearing their child's perspective.
Child-centred arrangements
Decisions are more likely to reflect your child's needs
are wishes.
Support positive relationships
Helping children feel heard can reduce conflict and
strengthen family relationships.
What children tell us
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Someone listened to me
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I didn't have to choose sides
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I felt safe and comfortable
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I understood what was happening
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I could talk honestly
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Child-Inclusive Mediation?
Child-Inclusive Mediation (CIM) gives children the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings with a specially trained family mediator in a safe, supportive environment. With the child's agreement, their views can help parents make informed, child-centred decisions about future arrangements.
How old does my child need to be?
There is no fixed age. Child-Inclusive Mediation is based on a child's maturity, understanding and willingness to participate. The mediator will assess whether it is appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
Will my child have to choose between their parents?
No. Child-Inclusive Mediation is never about asking children to make decisions or choose sides. Children are encouraged to share their experiences, feelings and wishes in a way that feels safe and comfortable for them.
Is my child required to take part?
No. Participation is entirely voluntary. Both parents must agree to Child-Inclusive Mediation, and your child can decide whether they wish to take part. They are free to stop at any time.
What happens when the mediator meets with my child?
Your child will meet with a specially trained Child-Inclusive Mediator in a relaxed, child-friendly environment. The meeting is informal and gives your child the opportunity to talk about their experiences, concerns and what is important to them.
Will everything my child says be shared with us?
No. The mediator will explain confidentiality to your child before the meeting. Nothing is shared with parents unless the child agrees, except where there are safeguarding concerns or legal obligations to disclose information.
What happens after my child has met with the mediator?
If your child agrees, the mediator will share their feedback with both parents during a follow-up mediation session. This helps parents better understand their child's perspective and supports more informed, child-focused decision-making.
What happens if we can't reach agreement?
Not every mediation ends with a full agreement, but mediation often helps narrow the issues, improve communication and identify areas where agreement is possible. Even partial agreements can save time, reduce legal costs and make any future court proceedings more focused.
Is financial mediation legally binding?
The discussions that take place during mediation are confidential and are not legally binding. If you reach agreement, your mediator will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding and an Open Financial Statement. Your solicitor can then use these documents to prepare a Consent Order for approval by the court, making your agreement legally binding.
Can I get Legal Aid for Child-Inclusive Mediation?
If you are financially eligible, Legal Aid may cover the cost of your MIAM, mediation sessions and Child-Inclusive Mediation. In some circumstances, it may also fund the other parent's MIAM even if they are not eligible themselves.
Can Child-Inclusive Mediation help reduce conflict?
Yes. Hearing a child's perspective often helps parents move away from conflict and focus on what matters most. Many families find that understanding their child's experiences encourages more constructive conversations and lasting agreements.
How do we arrange Child-Inclusive Mediation?
The first step is to book a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). During your MIAM, your mediator will explain how Child-Inclusive Mediation works, assess whether it is suitable for your family and answer any questions you may have.
What Our Clients Say
"The mediator made our son feel so comfortable. His input gave us the direction we needed to co-parent more effectively."
"Relaxed environment, very open communication. Easy to speak to the mediator. Would recommend their services."
"Oliver was amazing. He talked me through the whole process and answered all my questions. Very patient when my daughter needed help and understanding."