As a trained specialist I offer Direct Consultation with Children. DCC involves me in meeting and talking with your child or children, without either parent being present, so that their voice can be safely heard:- their fears and their hopes.
A child may ask to be involved in the mediation process or a parent feels that it could be useful. It is important that parents understand the thoughts, feelings hopes and fears of their children and taking part in direct consolation may be an appropriate way to progress. Many years of experience tells me that children want to know what is happening, “between mommy and daddy”, and they respond greatly when their opinions are heard. Care is needed to make sure that they do not feel responsible for the overall decision.
In many instances, children wish some of their views to be fed back into the decision-making process and this will be facilitated with their permission.
Involving children in mediation is complex and a great deal of preparation is required.
Meetings last about 30-45 minutes with brothers and sisters being seen separately and or together. Children are usually aged between 10 and over but younger children may be seen in exceptional circumstances.
