Family Mediation Resources

Neatly arranged workspace with laptop and stationery on wooden floor.

Child-Inclusive Practice

Experienced practitioners in this field, such as Child Consultants, Counsellors, Family Report writers, or Psychotherapists, play a vital role in the dispute resolution process, particularly during family mediation.

Separation can be a challenging period, often filled with ongoing conflict and arguments that can be exhausting. Many parents find it difficult to co-parent effectively amidst the tensions. Child Inclusive sessions aim to explore the current situation and the impact of the separation and conflict on the children involved. This approach supports the mediation process by helping parents achieve workable and positive agreements that ultimately benefit both them and their children.

The process involves three stages and is especially recommended in environments characterized by animosity and conflict between parents:

Stage 1: A meeting occurs between the Child Consultant and each parent individually. This meeting, lasting about an hour and a half, is designed to begin assessing the current situation (what is functioning well and what isn’t) and to prepare the Child Consultant for engaging with your child or children by discussing how you perceive they are coping with the ongoing changes.

Stage 2: The Child Consultant engages with each child for approximately one hour. This session incorporates various activities such as drawing, playing, and storytelling, all conducted in a fun, creative, and supportive atmosphere where children feel comfortable sharing their experiences of the separation and their current situation.

Stage 3: Feedback from the Child Consultant is provided to the parents, typically at the outset of the mediation session, with the mediator present. This feedback is critical as it conveys what the children have expressed regarding their experiences, allowing the Child Consultant to reflect on their needs—both now and in the future.

Feedback from children who have participated in this process has been overwhelmingly positive.

Co-Parenting Sessions

Parental separation is a challenging and emotional time for both parents and children. During this period, children may experience confusion, sadness, and a sense of loss as they adapt to changes in their family dynamics and routines. This adjustment can be even more difficult when there is ongoing conflict between parents, which may hinder children's ability to maintain strong relationships with both parents. It’s crucial to acknowledge that while navigating their own stress and uncertainty, parents are simultaneously trying to support their children through this tough time.

The impact of family violence or ongoing disputes can significantly affect children’s wellbeing. Frequent exposure to conflict can heighten anxiety and disrupt their sense of security, shaping their understanding of relationships. However, positive change is achievable. Taking small steps to reduce tension, enhance communication, and prioritize children's needs can lead to meaningful improvements, helping them feel safer, more supported, and better equipped to adjust and thrive over time.

Family mediation can aid parents in reaching practical agreements regarding their children. Nonetheless, some families may require additional support in managing their ongoing relationships despite the separation.

Co-parenting sessions are designed to focus on key aspects, including:

· The co-parenting relationship (effective strategies for collaboration)

· Parenting values (understanding what matters to you, the other parent, and the children)

· Parenting routines, expectations, boundaries, and consequences (aligning perspectives)

· Communication strategies (engaging in purposeful, productive conversations)

· Decision making (establishing a structured process that works for both)

· Conflict management

· Present and future discussions (addressing any other issues beneficial to you and your family)

Elmarie Richardson provides these valuable services. Please see the link below for her email address.

COST:

Individual Sessions: $150 (1 ½ hours)

Joint Sessions: $150 each (2 hours)

Payment is due prior to your individual meeting with the Child Consultant.

HOW TO BOOK:

· If you are interested in individual sessions only, please contact Elmarie directly at 0423 430 873 or at elmarie.mytwoworlds@gmail.com.

· If you are interested in joint sessions, both parties must be willing to participate.

Alternatives for Mediation

You can choose to participate in family mediation through a free or low-cost service, though be aware that there are often significant waiting lists. Legal Aid WA offers a dispute resolution service, which includes some means testing. Additionally, there are publicly funded agencies that provide low-cost dispute resolution. Some of these agencies, however, may have policies that exclude dispute resolution where there is family violence or other significant risk issues. Some will automatically refuse to provide family dispute resolution if there is a family violence restraining order in place. A private mediator can be more flexible in such circumstances.

Impact of Family Violence

Mediators and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners must take into account the impact of family violence on children and the other party when engaging in dispute resolution. Legal Aid offers support through its Domestic Violence Legal Unit and a Family Advocacy Support Service dedicated to assisting those affected by family violence.

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