Young People Lead the Way in Groundbreaking Family Mediation Event

On April 24, 2025, more than 100 professionals came together for a transformative online event hosted by The Family Mediation Trust in partnership with the Family Justice Young People’s Board (FJYPB). At the heart of the session was the launch of the Arranging Family Time guide—a powerful, practical resource shaped by young people who have experienced family separation firsthand.

This wasn't just another professional development webinar. It was a heartfelt call to action, grounded in real stories and lived experience. It challenged the mediation profession to rethink assumptions and place children at the centre of family time arrangements—not in theory, but in every step of practice.

Watch the Event Recording

Click below to view the full event, including powerful contributions from young people and expert commentary from leading mediators.

“A Wake-Up Call to the Mediation Profession”

Lord Ponsonby opened the session by reaffirming the importance of mediation in supporting families through separation:

"The voices you will hear today—both young people and practitioners—are dedicated to improving outcomes for children. The guidance made in collaboration with the FJYPB offers child-focused solutions that fully support children's well-being."

He reflected on the guide’s nuanced understanding of indirect contact in a digital world, reminding professionals that WhatsApp, video calls, and shared online moments are not “lesser” forms of connection, but vital components of meaningful family time.

“It’s My Time, Not Mum’s or Dad’s”

Two powerful young speakers from the FJYPB, Shanti Sud and Gergo Fordos, shared personal insights that shaped the guide’s development. They spoke of fear, confusion, guilt, and the pressure to “keep everyone happy.” Their message was clear: family time must be safe, flexible, and responsive to a child’s emotional world.

Shanti, who lived through a high-conflict separation, said:

“Even if the outcome doesn’t go my way, knowing someone truly listened to me would have changed everything.”

From Guidance to Practice

The event wasn’t just reflective—it was practical. Denise Ingamells and Lesley Allport, both experienced PPCs, explored how the guide could reshape both traditional and child-inclusive mediation. From writing child-friendly summaries of parenting agreements to offering flexible follow-ups and child-friendly schedules, they brought the guide to life with concrete examples.

Denise noted:

“We must create space in mediation for children’s perspectives—even when we don’t speak to them directly. This guide helps us do that in a thoughtful, structured way.”

Lesley encouraged mediators to revisit their child-inclusive mediation processes:

“The guide gives us tools to bring clarity, empathy and long-term thinking into our work with separated families.”

📄 Download the Guide

The Arranging Family Time guide is now freely available for mediators and family professionals.

👉 Download the Guide - Family Justice Young People’s Board A4 v2.pdf

It includes:

• Practical planning templates and examples

• Guidance on indirect contact

• Top tips for digital connection

• Advice for helping parents communicate with children about arrangements

Read Robert Croughton’s Response

Chair of the Family Mediation Standards Board, Robert Croughton, was unable to speak live due to technical issues but shared a thoughtful written reflection on the guide and its alignment with mediation standards.

👉 Read Robert’s Response - FJYPB FAMILY TIME REPORT AND LAUNCH EVENT (002).pdf

What Comes Next?

The event closed with a call for continued change. From follow-up meetings to child-friendly communications, participants left with new ideas and renewed purpose. As one mediator put it:

“This was the most powerful CPD I’ve attended. The honesty of the young people gave us no choice but to reflect—and act.”