|
These provide an opportunity
with parents individually to discuss their specific
circumstances and to exchange information. There is
particular emphasis on the effects on children of parental
separation, the options available for resolving disputes,
the value of mediation, and the demands of post-separation
parenting. Consequently parents are informed about the
range of choices available, what they can do as individual
parents, what parental responsibilities mean for separated
families, and if ways in which they can work together
in relation to their children. Parents and mediators
can also explore whether or not mediation is appropriate.
Counselling and support is available
to children and young people on a one-to-one basis from
specialist workers, we offer free, confidential support
and information to children and young adults who are
experiencing changes within family relationships as
a result of separation or divorce.
Separation can be hard to deal with
at any age. All families work out their own arrangements
in different ways but there are feelings of anger, confusion,
sadness and often responsibility, which young family
members are left to cope with.
Support for parents of children who
are too young to take advantage of counselling is also
provided.
These provide an opportunity
for parents to meet with the help of a trained third
party to discuss and make arrangements relating to the
future parenting of their children after separation.
Family mediation is a way of avoiding
or resolving the difficulties and disputes which can
accompany the breakdown of a parental relationship.
Working for the benefit of children, it offers parents
who are separating or divorced the opportunity to reach
their own mutually acceptable future arrangements with
the support of a trained, neutral third party. It is
a voluntary process which allows any problems and their
resolution to remain within the control of the parents
concerned, rather than being settled by an adversarial
legal process or by the judgement of a Court.
It promotes the principles and objectives
of the children (Scotland) Act 1995.
- a voluntary process
- an aid to reducing parental conflict
- a focus for the needs of children whose parents
separate/divorce
- a means of establishing communication between separating/divorced
parents
Mediators are carefully selected
and have to show considerable relevant experience and
professional skills. They receive extensive training
through the Family Mediation Scotland National Training
Course which provides a knowledge base about the legal
context of parental separate, and develops the skills
required to mediate.
Mediators are evaluated throughout
training, and then in the course of their work with
families, on knowledge, skills and competence. They
must undergo a probationary period of a minimum of 50
hours supervised mediation. They are accredited and
registered by Family Mediation Scotland according to
national standards and procedures, they are members
or Associates of the UK College of Family Mediators.
(Please ensure that you use only
approved and recognised mediation services, always check
if you are unsure).
Family Mediation is an independent
voluntary organisation and a registered charity supported
by donations from individuals and organisations we work
in partnership with and receive funding support from
the local authority Councils of South Ayrshire, North
Ayrshire, and East Ayrshire.
Our work is also supported
and funded by the Scottish Executive.
The Children & Young People’s Support Services
is funded by the Tudor Trust.
INVESTOR IN PEOPLE
FAMILY MEDIATION AYRSHIRE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
EMPLOYER
Family Mediation Ayrshire
1at Floor Offices
28/30 Grange Street
Kilmarnock
KA1 2DD
01563 572429
e-mail: familymediation@ayrshire63fsnet.co.uk
website: www.familymediationscotland.org.uk
|
