Child Inclusive Mediation

Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) is an option which will be discussed with you during your initial MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). CIM provides opportunities for children and young people to have their voices heard during the mediation process, helping them to feel listened to and respected.

CIM offers a safe and neutral space where children can share their wishes and feelings during a confidential meeting (subject to safeguarding considerations). At a child's request messages can be passed onto their parents by the mediator during a subsequent feedback meeting. Children are not asked to make any choices or decisions and it's made clear to them that their parents will be responsible for decision making.

Benefits of CIM

Sustainable Arrangements

Decisions made with the input of children are more likely to be sustainable and effective. Consulting with children enables them to express their views, share their experiences and raise any fears or worries about future plans.

Supporting Children's Emotional Well-being

Many children find the opportunity to talk in an independent space cathartic. Inviting children to take part in CIM sends a powerful message that their parents are working together and want to hear from them. This often has a positive impact on children's confidence and self-esteem.

Child Focus

CIM supports parents to take decisions with their child/children’s needs and interests at the heart of their discussions. It encourages parents to take decisions with a clear understanding of their child's perspective.

How does CIM work?

There is no agenda for CIM sessions as they are child-led. Children choose what they’d like to discuss/what’s important to them and decide the feedback to both parents from this confidential meeting.
Feedback is verbal only, no written reports/records are provided.
CIM requires consent of both parents and is also voluntary for your child/children (they are sent an invitation which confirms that it’s their decision if they’d like to take part).
Parents are asked to commit that they will not tell their child “what to say” or ask the child intrusive questions after a session.
CIM is a 4 stage process:
- Stage 1 is a planning meeting to obtain parental consent to an invitation being sent to their child and to discuss the format of the session to ensure a child feels comfortable in a neutral, safe space to talk (e.g. age appropriate adaptations such as a play based format, venue and timing considerations).
- Stage 2 is the confidential CIM meeting between the child/children and a CIM qualified mediator.
- Children decide if they'd like messages to be shared with parents via a feedback meeting (stage 3).
- At stage 4 parents resume discussions in mediation and use feedback to inform their decision making.