ثالثی میں خاندانی وقت کا بندوبست کرنا

The Family Mediation Trust Presents: A Unique and Thought-Provoking Event

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.

Agenda

Opening Address: Lord Ponsonby

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.

Chair: Mike Mack

Guiding the session and facilitating discussions.

What the Young People Are Saying

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.

• What helps children feel safe during family time?
• What challenges do they face when arrangements are made without their input?
• How can mediators better support children in the process?

Relevance to Mediation – Robert Croughton; Chair of the Family Mediation Standards Board

• How the insights from young people align with current mediation practices.
• Balancing involvement with standards compliance.

Implementing Best Practice in Mediation – Denise Ingamells; PPC

• Applying the lessons from young people to everyday practice.
• Tools and techniques for ensuring mediation remains safe and balanced.

Implications for Child-Inclusive Mediation – Lesley Allport; PPC

• The evolving role of child-inclusive mediation.
• How mediators can empower children to be active participants in their own arrangements.

Group Discussion

An open floor for mediators to discuss their experiences, challenges, and how they can implement these insights into their practice.

Why Attend?

✅ 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.

Who Should Attend?

👥 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!