Is it appropriate to involve the children in the mediation process?
We would ask that you do not bring children to either the
initial assessment meeting or the actual mediation sessions. However, one of
the main tasks of the mediator is to help parents focus on the needs and
wishes of the children. Sometimes, the children are of an age where it may
helpful to hear directly from them in which case the mediator will discuss
with the parents the option of having a separate meeting just between the
mediator and the child (or children). A decision to involve the children in
the mediation process in this way is not taken lightly and the mediator would
discuss the pros and cons with you before a decision is made. Clearly it will
require the consent of both you and the children involved. Anything that is
said to the mediator by the children is treated in confidence unless the child
agrees to it being passed on to the parents.
