How are children and young people involved in mediation?
If you are a child or a young person whose parents are using family mediation, it is important that you know that Family Mediation is child-centred, which means it focuses on the needs, rights and wellbeing of children and young people who are affected by a separation. Children have a right to be heard, and mediation ensures this happens by encouraging your parents to talk about you and your needs as part of making decisions about your family's future.
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We can also arrange for a specially-trained mediator to meet with you (and your siblings if they wish) if you would like to talk about what is important to you, and how things are for you at the moment. This is called 'Child Inclusive Mediation'.
The mediator that you speak to will only pass on to your parents what you want them to, even if this is nothing at all.
In mediation, your parents are the ones making decisions about where you live and who you spend time with - you will never be asked to make these decisions for your parents. But having your voice heard as part of your parents' discussions is very important, and as family mediators we will always make sure that we keep the needs and wellbeing of children and young people central when we are helping your parents talk about your family's future.