Parents sometimes ask that a mediator speaks to their child or children in mediation. This can be a safe and neutral way for parents to understand things from the perspective of their child.

For child inclusive mediation to take place, there is a discussion first with the parents in a full mediation session about basic arrangements such as how their child or children could be invited to a mediation. Both parents would need to agree to a child being invited to mediation. We would then discuss the process and look at how the parents might take things forward depending on different scenarios and discussions that the mediator may have with the children.

Nicolette Zarka has enhanced DBS clearance to speak to children in mediation.

Mediation is always voluntary for parents and children. It is confidential with certain safety exceptions. After seeing the child in a mediation the mediator would feed back to the parents at a separate time about what was discussed and agreed to be fed back to the parents. This can help the parents decide how to move forward. Nicolette Zarka is recognised to facilitate child inclusive mediation.