What is Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM)?

​​

Family mediation keeps the needs of everyone – mostly the children – at the heart of the discussion.

 

It is now expected that children can have a voice during this emotionally complicated time in their lives.

 

In the past children have been ‘protected’ by their parents but it turns out after much research that children want to have a voice and a place where they can be heard.

 

It may be hard for children in this situation to talk to their parents, however close they may be, when loyalties are compromised.  In CIM, the young people can speak to a mediator without their parents present and vocalise whatever it is they want to. After the meeting, which lasts between 30 - 60 mins, the mediator will only then share what they’ve talked about to the parents if the children want this to happen. This is done verbatim and personally I check with the child that I am passing on exactly the information that they want to share.

​

I am a fully accredited child inclusive mediator. As a former Childline counsellor I like talking to young people whether they have complex needs and experiences or not. I find young people to be honest, open and easy going. If parents are happy for me to do so and once allergy checks have been done, I will open a pack of biscuits. It helps us all!

​

I have an enhanced DBS check.