Cet événement, organisé par le Family Mediation Trust en partenariat avec le Family Justice Young People's Board, présente une approche innovante de la médiation familiale, façonnée par des jeunes ayant vécu une séparation familiale. Le Family Justice Young People's Board (FJYPB) a élaboré un guide performant qui incite les médiateurs à repenser leur accompagnement des familles, en veillant à ce que la voix des enfants soit non seulement entendue, mais véritablement intégrée au processus. Grâce aux témoignages de jeunes, aux discussions d'experts et aux conseils pratiques, cette session fournira aux médiateurs les outils nécessaires pour créer des aménagements de temps en famille plus sûrs et plus efficaces, qui tiennent véritablement compte des besoins des enfants. Avec Lord Ponsonby comme invité spécial, c'est une occasion unique de découvrir une approche unique et stimulante qui pourrait transformer votre pratique de la médiation.
The Family Mediation Trust, in partnership with the Family Justice Young People’s Board, presents a groundbreaking event designed to challenge and inspire mediators in their work with separated families. Unlike traditional training sessions, this event is shaped by young people who have lived through family separation. Their experiences have directly influenced the Arranging Family Time guide, offering mediators a fresh perspective on ensuring that children's voices remain central in mediation.
For the first time, a mediation framework has been developed by young people, for young people—those who have firsthand experience of family separation and truly understand what works and what doesn’t. This pioneering initiative moves beyond theory, providing practical, child-focused solutions that challenge mediators to rethink their approach and improve outcomes for children.
We have worked directly with young people to develop guidance that ensures children are not just passive participants but central to the mediation process. This includes helping parents write meaningful letters to their children, clearly explaining how contact will work—offering reassurance, reducing anxiety, and fostering stability. We have also addressed the complexities of indirect contact, recognizing that digital communication, letters, and messages are not just an afterthought but a vital part of maintaining relationships. Our work helps mediators navigate these challenges with sensitivity, clarity, and a child-centered focus, ensuring that every form of contact—whether in person or indirect—supports the child’s well-being.
This project is a wake-up call to the mediation profession: It’s time to move beyond traditional practices and place children’s needs at the forefront of family time arrangements. With special guest Lord Ponsonby, this event equips mediators with the tools to create safe, fair, and meaningful family time plans that reflect the realities of modern family life.
Lord Ponsonby will open the event with reflections on the role of family mediation in ensuring children's voices are heard and how policymakers can better support separated families.
Guiding the session and facilitating discussions.
Young people from CAFCASS and the Family Justice Young People’s Board share key insights from their experiences of separation and spending time with their parents.
An open floor for mediators to discuss their experiences, challenges, and how they can implement these insights into their practice.
✅ Hear from Lord Ponsonby on the policy and practice of family mediation.
✅ Gain exclusive insights from young people who have lived through family separation.
✅ Challenge traditional mediation approaches with a fresh, child-centered perspective.
✅ Learn practical strategies to enhance mediation effectiveness.
✅ Network with leading experts and professionals in the field.
👥 Family mediators (both accredited and in training).
⚖️ Legal professionals working with separated families.
🧑🏫 Social workers and child welfare specialists.
👨👩👧👦 Anyone invested in improving outcomes for children in mediation.
This thought-provoking and practical event is designed to challenge, inspire, and equip mediators with real-world tools to enhance their practice. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn directly from young people, experts, and Lord Ponsonby—register now!