Child Inclusive Mediation

Giving children a voice

Separation can bring significant changes to children’s lives. Child Inclusive Mediation gives children an opportunity to share their feelings, experiences and needs so these can inform discussions about future parenting arrangements.

Children are supported to share their perspectives without being asked to choose between their parents or make adult decisions.

My role as a Child Consultant

I meet with parents and children to understand the child’s experience of family life and separation. With your child’s consent, I attend mediation to share key themes and messages with both parents.

This verbal feedback supports parents to consider their children’s needs when making decisions. It is not a court report or legal assessment. Parents remain responsible for parenting arrangements.

Who is this service for?

Child Inclusive Mediation is available for children over five years of age, subject to an initial assessment of suitability for your family.

Your child’s willingness to participate matters. They can choose not to take part, and the consultation may stop if continuing is assessed as inappropriate.

Overhead view of a child and adult drawing together with coloured pencils.

How the process works

1. Initial intake and suitability assessment
I meet separately with each parent to discuss your family’s circumstances, concerns and whether this process is appropriate. Up to 30 minutes per parent.

2. Individual parent sessions
We explore your child’s personality, relationships, how they are coping and any concerns you have. These conversations also help prepare parents to hear their child’s perspective. Up to 60 minutes per parent.

3. Child consultation
Your child is invited to share their experiences through conversation, play or drawing at their own pace. They are not asked to take sides or decide where they should live. Typically up to 60 minutes.

4. Feedback during mediation
With your child’s consent, I attend mediation to share key themes and messages with both parents. This helps parents consider their child’s needs when discussing practical parenting arrangements.

Payment and practical information

If the initial assessment finds the process unsuitable, fees for subsequent stages will not be incurred.

Payment is required at least seven days before each appointment. Each parent pays for their own individual sessions. Shared components are split equally unless a prior written agreement or binding court order provides otherwise. Both parents’ portions must be paid before a shared session can proceed.

Practical information

Additional costs
Agreed extensions to parent sessions are charged in 15-minute increments at $385 per hour. Review of court materials, affidavits or family reports exceeding 20 pages attracts an additional pro-rata review fee at the standard hourly rate. Travel required beyond 20 kilometres from Aspley is charged at kilometre cost and invoiced before the session.

Cancellations and rescheduling
More than 48 hours’ notice: no penalty; prepaid fees for that session may be refunded or credited.
Less than 48 hours’ notice: a fee of 50% of the session cost applies to cancellation or rescheduling.
Non-attendance without notice: the full fee for that session applies.

If a child chooses not to participate during their appointment, or is assessed as clinically inappropriate during the session, the session fee remains payable for the reserved time.

These terms apply to Child Inclusive Mediation. Mental Health Social Work has a separate cancellation policy.

Enquiries for parents and professionals

To discuss child inclusive mediation for your family, or enquire about involving a Child Consultant in a mediation matter, please get in touch.

Call 0420 292 115 or use the Contact & Referrals page. Please keep your initial enquiry brief; we can discuss how to provide further information when we make contact.