Child-Inclusive Mediation

Child Inclusive Mediation in Family Law

Child Inclusive Mediation [CIM] is a specialized approach within family law that actively considers the child’s voice in the separation or divorce process. The goal is to ensure that parenting decisions are made with a deeper understanding of the child’s experiences, needs, and perspectives, while maintaining a focus on their best interests.

In this process, a specially trained child and divorce consultant meets separately with the child in a safe, age-appropriate way. The child is not asked to make decisions, but is given a chance to express their feelings and views about their life and family situation. The consultant then provides feedback — not a verbatim account, but a developmentally-informed summary — to the parents and the mediator during the mediation session.

This feedback helps parents:

• Gain insight into how their conflict is affecting their child/;

• Understand what their child might need to feel secure, heard, and supported;

• Make parenting arrangements that are more attuned to the child’s emotional and developmental needs.

Child Inclusive Mediation:

• Supports co-parenting by promoting empathy and reflection;

• Reduces long-term conflict by refocusing parents on shared goals;

• Empowers children by acknowledging their lived experience without placing decision-making pressure on them.

It's important to note that CIM is distinct from s.30, Forensic Evaluations, formerly known as child custody evaluations — it is non-legal, therapeutic in tone, and always voluntary. The child’s input is one of many factors considered, and parents retain responsibility for the final decisions.