Separation and divorce are often framed around what parents need but what about the child’s perspective?
CIM offers a different path: one where children are invited in (in age-appropriate & safeguarded ways) to share what matters to them. They can voice their hopes, discuss their routines, acknowledge their fears; without being burdened by adult conflict.
Why it’s worth considering:
- It validates a child’s experience and gives them a voice.
- Helps reduce misunderstandings: parents learn directly what’s important to the child.
- Leads to more durable and realistic parenting plans, anchonred in how the child actually lives.
- Supports emotional well-being and healthier communication patterns for the future.
In our practice, we explain to parents the benefits of Child Inclusive Mediation. We have early, open conversations about how the child can participate and what protections are in place. We organise age-appropriate interviews or consultations, with clear boundaries.
We then translate a child’s voice into concrete items in the parenting plan including routines, hobbies, maintaining friendships etc.
It’s not always right for every situation; safety, emotional well-being, and parental cooperation are key. But when done well, CIM fosters mutual respect, reduces future conflict, and helps produce agreements in reflecting the “best interests of the child” as required under s 11 (4) of the Mediation Act 2017