CIP reflects the commitment to ensure that children have a voice in relation to matters that impact them, such as parenting arrangements after separation. It is not a process that asks children to make decisions for themselves – that role should rest with parents. It is an opportunity to hear from children on issues that matter to them, for them to share what’s working well and what they are finding difficult.

There are two main benefits of CIP – firstly, an opportunity to empower your kids by sending a message to them that their voice matters enough to include them in the process; and secondly, the observations obtained from children can be used to inform parenting arrangements.

If Child Inclusive Practice is something that you would like to explore, raise it with Melanie to have your questions answered and options discussed. I will discuss the option with both parents before mediation and if both parents consent to the process, will make a referral to a Child Consultant who will arrange to meet with the children and provide some observations to the parents before their next mediation session.

Children aged between 5 and 17 can be involved in the process and will meet with the Child Consultant in a private meeting. During this private meeting, the Child Consultant will engage with the child in a way that is non-threatening and to give the child the opportunity to engage in a relaxed way with the Child Consultant and to share what they are comfortable sharing. The child decides what information is shared with each of their parents and what is not shared.

After meeting the child/ren, the Child Consultant will prepare their observations which will be shared with the parents at a future meeting. These observations may provide useful information to discuss in mediation.

Yes, they do., We cannot proceed with a referral to CIP if both parents do not consent.

CIP is not suitable in all situations, and your Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner will assess whether it is appropriate to offer it. Family dynamic, the existence and level of family violence and any special needs that exist for the child may be considered in making this decision.

No – it’s not. The very best way to ensure that kids are kept out of the conflict is to ensure that you are speaking about the separation and the other parent in ways that does not draw your child into it. The CIP process takes place outside of the mediation process and at no point are children asked to make a decision or choose between their parents. If CIP is described to kids in a way that highlights their empowerment and the importance of their voice, children can be insulated from any conflict that exists between their parents.

Children are invited to engage with this process but are never forced to take part. Children benefit from understanding the purpose of the meeting, so providing this information in an age-appropriate way can assist kids to feel more comfortable.

Some information that may assist children is: Telling the child/ren that how they are travelling is important to you and would help you and the other parent in your decision making. Telling the child/ren that they will never be asked to make decisions or choose between their parents. Telling the child/ren that their sessions with the Child Consultant are private but not secret – they are the boss of what information is shared with their parents. Telling the child/ren that they can choose what they do and say in the session.

The time that the Child Consultant spends with the child/ren is approached in a way that encourages sharing information from children. Observations of what the child thinks and feels about their life, what’s going well, and what isn’t going well will be noted and the child will decide what will be shared with their parents.

The information that is shared by the Child Consultant is inadmissible in Court, and no reports or records will be provided to you as parents.

I have professional experience with several Child Consultants who I can recommend to you for the CIP component of your mediation. These Child Consultants are specially trained to meet with children and to prepare feedback for parenting to assist in a parenting mediation.

I am a qualified Child Consultant, but I cannot take on this role when I am working on a matter as the mediator.

The Child Consultant works at an hourly rate that varies depending on the Consultant chosen. Parents equally share this cost, with a breakdown of the work generally involving:
Assessment/Intake session with parents - 1 -2 hours (more time for more children)
Meeting with Child – around an hour per child
Preparing Feedback for Parents – 1-2 hours for one child (more time for more children)
Parent Feedback session with FDRP - 1 – 2 hours per child (more time for more children)

There may be some variations to this process depending on the Child Consultant chosen.

As the FDRP, I attend the CIP Feedback session and charge $250 for attendance at this session which is shared between parents.

After the CIP Feedback has been received, I book a mediation session for parents to have time to explore and discuss the information that has been received, and how it can be best applied to support your children. Fees for this mediation are listed on my Fees page.