Online training for professionals working with families exploring MIAMs and mediation, what happens if unsuitable, and the child arrangements court process.
Supporting Families Through Separation, Mediation and the Child Arrangements Court Process Practical training for Family Workers
This short, practical session is designed specifically for professionals who support parents and children through separation, conflict, and private law family court proceedings. It brings together three essential strands: how MIAMs and mediation can help families, what happens when mediation is unsuitable or unsuccessful, and a clear, demystified explanation of the child arrangements court process and the roles of professionals involved.
The focus is on helping practitioners feel more confident with the terminology families often reference, understanding the pathway families may move through, and knowing how to support parents in ways that keep children’s needs and wellbeing at the centre.
Location
Online (joining details will be shared after booking/registration)
Who this session is for
Family Workers and practitioners in Family Work roles supporting families who are separating, experiencing conflict, or involved in (or considering) private law children proceedings.
What you will learn
Speakers
Jane Smith – PPC and Accredited Family Mediator
Jane is an accredited family mediator and PPC with over 20 years’ experience as a family law solicitor (now non-practising), supporting separating parents with child arrangements and financial matters both within and outside the court process. She has worked exclusively as a mediator since 2016, gained FMC accreditation in 2018, and qualified as a Child Consultant in Mediation in 2021. Jane brings a strong understanding of how cases move between MIAMs, mediation and court, drawing on her experience delivering the Cafcass SPIP course to support professionals in understanding child-focused decision-making and effective early intervention. Her approach is collaborative and practical, with a clear focus on keeping children at the centre of discussions.
Claire Molyneux – Family Law Specialist, Mediator and Parenting Co-ordinator
Claire qualified as a family solicitor in 2006 (now non-practising), and has extensive experience supporting parents in private children proceedings, including complex and long-running cases. She is also qualified as a family mediator, divorce coach and parenting co-ordinator, enabling her to support parents both to reach agreements and to implement court orders and parenting arrangements in practice. Claire’s work focuses on helping parents move from conflict to a workable co-parenting relationship in their children’s best interests. Alongside her casework, she has also worked as a Professional Support Lawyer in child law, keeping fully up to date with family court judgments and practice, regularly training and presenting to family lawyers.
Tracy Sortwell JP – Magistrate and Family Justice Specialist
Tracy Sortwell JP has been a magistrate since 1995, sitting in both Family and Crime on the Cambridgeshire Bench, where she is currently Bench Chair. She brings extensive judicial experience of private family law proceedings, including how cases are managed, what decision-makers look for in evidence and safeguarding, and how out-of-court processes such as mediation fit within the wider family justice system. Tracy has chaired the Magistrates’ Association Family Court Committee for six years, is a member of the Family Justice Council, and has served on the President’s Private Law Working Group. Her contribution to training offers a clear court-based perspective to help practitioners better understand process, expectations and good practice.