Family Mediation North East
Family Mediation North East
CONTACT CENTRES
CONTACT CENTRES
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
CHILD INCLUSIVE MEDIATION
At Pax Mediation, we understand that separation and family disputes can have a profound impact on children. Our child-inclusive mediation services provide children with a safe and neutral environment to share their thoughts and feelings, ensuring their voices are heard and considered during decision-making processes.
Led by our experienced FMCA-accredited family mediators, child-inclusive mediation ensures that children’s needs remain at the heart of any agreements, helping families create practical and child-focused solutions.
WHAT IS CHILD-INCLUSIVE MEDIATION?
Child-Inclusive mediation is a specialised form of family mediation that gives children an opportunity to share their perspectives in a safe, supportive setting. This approach is completely voluntary and designed to empower children without burdening them with decision-making responsibilities.
Through confidential discussions, mediators ensure that children’s views are considered by parents when creating parenting plans or resolving disputes.
Learn more about how child-inclusive mediation works here.
HOW DOES CHILD-INCLUSIVE MEDIATION WORK?
Step 1: Initial MIAMs with Parents
The process begins with Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) for each parent. During these sessions, the mediator discusses the benefits of child-inclusive mediation and assesses its suitability for the family.
Step 2: Consent and Preparation
The mediator seeks the child’s consent and explains the process in an age-appropriate way. Participation is entirely voluntary for both parents and the child. The child can choose not to take part, or stop at any time.
Step 3: Meeting with the Child
The mediator meets with the child in a neutral, child-friendly setting to explore their feelings, concerns, and preferences.
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The conversation is confidential, and only the information the child agrees to share will be relayed to the parents.
Step 4: Feedback to Parents
The mediator shares the child’s input with the parents during a follow-up mediation session, helping them make informed, child-centred decisions.
WHEN CIM IS APPROPRIATE
Child Inclusive Mediation can be a helpful part of the mediation process when parents want to understand more about how their child is experiencing the current arrangements, without placing any pressure or responsibility on them.
CIM may be appropriate when:
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Your child is old enough and willing to share their thoughts with a neutral professional
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Parents want decisions to be genuinely centred around the child’s needs
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There are different views about what is working well and what could be improved
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Communication between home settings has become strained
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Court involvement may be avoided by better understanding the child’s perspective
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You want to support your child’s emotional wellbeing during a period of change.
CIM is always voluntary.
Both parents must agree to it, and your child can choose whether they wish to take part. Their decision — either way — is always respected.
THE BENEFITS OF CHILD-INCLUSIVE MEDIATION
🧒 Empowers Children. Children feel valued and heard, knowing their perspectives matter in family decisions.
📋 Improves Parenting Plans. Hearing children’s views helps parents create practical, child-centred agreements that reflect their needs and preferences.
🤝 Reduces Conflict. By focusing on the child’s well-being, parents are encouraged to collaborate rather than argue.
❤️ Supports Emotional Well-Being. Children gain a safe space to express their feelings, helping them process family changes in a healthy way.
🙌 Fosters Cooperation. Parents are more likely to work together constructively when they understand their child’s perspective.
WHAT CHILDREN TYPICALLY TELL US THEY FIND HELPFUL
Children who take part in Child Inclusive Mediation often tell us that they find the process supportive and relieving. It gives them space to speak openly in a way that feels safe and pressure-free.
Children commonly say they appreciate:
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Having time with a neutral adult who is there just to listen
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Being able to talk about what feels good — and what feels difficult — in their current arrangements
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Knowing that nothing they say will force them to choose or take sides
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Feeling reassured that they are not responsible for adult decisions
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Understanding that their views will be shared sensitively, and only if they agree
CIM gives your child a safe, confidential space to express their views — without placing any pressure, responsibility, or decision-making burden on them.
IS CHILD-INCLUSIVE MEDIATION RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Child-inclusive mediation is most effective when:
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Both parents agree to involve their child in the process.
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The child feels comfortable participating.
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The family dynamic would benefit from a focus on the child’s needs and priorities.
It may not be suitable in cases where:
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There are safeguarding concerns.
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The child feels pressured or uncomfortable about participating.
Contact us to discuss whether child-inclusive mediation is right for your family.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T ACT?
When arrangements feel uncertain or communication between parents is strained, delaying the opportunity for your child to share their views can make things more stressful for everyone involved.
Without Child Inclusive Mediation:
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Disagreements about arrangements can continue for longer
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Children may feel unheard, caught in the middle, or unsure how to express themselves
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Parents may make decisions without fully understanding how their child is experiencing the situation
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Tension can build, turning simple issues into bigger conflicts
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Families may find themselves moving closer to solicitor involvement or court proceedings
Child Inclusive Mediation gives you the chance to hear your child’s perspective early, reduce misunderstandings, and make decisions that feel clearer and more confident for everyone.
LEGAL AID FOR CHILD-INCLUSIVE MEDIATION
We are proud to offer Legal Aid-funded mediation for eligible clients, including child-inclusive sessions. Legal Aid covers:
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Initial MIAMs.
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Mediation sessions for parents and children.
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Assistance with formalising agreements.
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Contributions to the other parties costs even if they're not eligible.
Check your eligibility for Legal Aid here.
WHY CHOOSE PAX MEDIATION FOR CHILD-INCLUSIVE MEDIATION?
1. Experienced Mediators. Our team of FMCA-accredited family mediators are specially trained in child-inclusive mediation, ensuring children are supported throughout the process.
2. Child-Focused Approach. We prioritise the well-being of children, helping families make decisions that are in their best interests.
3. Flexible Options. We offer both in-person and online mediation sessions to accommodate your family's needs and preferences.
4. Comprehensive Support. From MIAMs to Legal Aid applications, we provide full guidance throughout the mediation process.
HOW TO GET STARTED WITH CHILD-INCLUSIVE MEDIATION
1. Contact Us
Call, email, or fill out our online referral form to book your MIAM.
2. Attend Your MIAM
During the MIAM, our mediator will assess your situation and explain how child-inclusive mediation works.
3. Begin Mediation
Start child-inclusive sessions tailored to your family’s needs.
📞 Call us: 0800 058 4303
📧 Email us: admin@paxmediation.co.uk
"Relaxed environment, very open communication. Easy to speak to the mediator. Would recommend their services."
"Oliver was amazing. Talked me through the whole process and answered all my questions. Very patient when my daughter needed me and understanding."
“The mediator made our son feel so comfortable. His input gave us the direction we needed to co-parent more effectively.”
FAQS ABOUT CHILD-INCLUSIVE MEDIATION
1. Is child-inclusive mediation suitable for all ages?
This depends on the child’s maturity and comfort level. Mediators assess suitability on a case-by-case basis.
2. Will my child be forced to participate?
No, participation is entirely voluntary, and children can opt out at any time.
3. Can I access Legal Aid for child-inclusive mediation?
Yes, Legal Aid is available for eligible families, covering the costs of child-inclusive sessions.
4. Will my child be used to take sides?
No. Child-Inclusive Mediation does not ask children to choose between parents, criticise either parent or decide where they will live. It provides a safe space for them to share how things feel, so you can make decisions centred on their needs.
Learn more about Legal Aid here.
Take the First Step Toward Child-Centred Resolutions
At Pax Mediation, we’re dedicated to helping families create solutions that truly reflect the needs and wishes of their children. Our child-inclusive mediation services provide a safe and supportive way for children to express their voices, empowering parents to make informed, child-focused decisions.
Contact Us Today