Family Mediation North East
Family Mediation North East
CONTACT CENTRES
CONTACT CENTRES
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
WELFARE BENEFITS
CHILD PROTECTION
At Pax Mediation, safeguarding children is at the heart of everything we do. We understand that during family disputes, the safety and well-being of children must always come first. Our experienced FMCA-accredited family mediators are committed to helping families resolve conflicts in a way that prioritises the needs and protection of children.
This page outlines how our mediation services address child protection concerns and what steps we take to ensure the welfare of children throughout the mediation process.
WHAT IS CHILD PROTECTION IN MEDIATION?
Child protection in mediation involves recognising and addressing any concerns that may impact the safety and well-being of children. This can include situations involving:
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Domestic abuse or violence.
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Neglect or emotional harm.
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Allegations of harm or potential harm to a child.
At Pax Mediation, we are trained to identify safeguarding concerns and ensure appropriate action is taken. Our mediators work in line with the Family Mediation Council’s (FMC) Code of Practice and legal safeguarding obligations to prioritise the protection of children.
Learn more about our mediation process here.
HOW MEDIATION CONSIDERS CHILD PROTECTION CONCERNS
Mediation offers a safe and structured environment where parents can discuss sensitive issues with the guidance of a neutral, experienced mediator. Here’s how we handle child protection concerns:
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Initial Safeguarding Assessment
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During the Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM), our mediators assess whether mediation is suitable for your family.
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If there are safeguarding concerns, we may recommend alternative actions, such as involving social services or the court.
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Focus on Child-Centred Solutions
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Our mediators help parents focus on creating child-centred agreements, such as parenting plans and child arrangements, that prioritise the child’s safety and well-being.
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Safe and Confidential Discussions
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Separate sessions (shuttle mediation) can be arranged for parents where there are concerns about power imbalances or conflict.
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Confidentiality is maintained unless there is a risk of harm, in which case appropriate safeguarding measures will be taken.
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Collaboration with Relevant Authorities
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When necessary, our mediators work closely with local authorities, social services, or legal professionals to address child protection issues appropriately.
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WHEN MEDIATION MAY NOT BE SUITABLE
Mediation may not be appropriate in situations where:
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There are unresolved allegations of abuse or violence.
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Ongoing safeguarding investigations are in place.
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Either parent feels unsafe participating in mediation.
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In these cases, we guide families toward other resources, such as legal or social services, to ensure the child’s protection.
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Learn about our child mediation services here.
THE ROLE OF MEDIATORS IN SAFEGUARDING
Our mediators are trained to:
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Recognise signs of abuse, neglect, or harm.
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Take immediate action if a child’s safety is at risk by notifying appropriate authorities.
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Ensure that all discussions remain focused on the child’s best interests, promoting solutions that protect their emotional and physical well-being.
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HOW MEDIATION IS IMPORTANT IN CHILD PROTECTION CASES
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Focus on Collaboration
Mediation encourages parents to work together to find solutions that prioritise the child’s needs, reducing the adversarial nature of court proceedings. -
Faster Resolutions
Mediation can provide quicker outcomes than waiting for court hearings, ensuring decisions are made promptly to support the child’s well-being. -
Child-Centred Outcomes
Parenting plans and agreements made during mediation are tailored to the specific needs of the child, ensuring their safety and stability. -
Access to Support Services
Our mediators can connect families with relevant support services, such as counselling, parenting programs, or child protection resources.
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LEGAL AID FOR MEDIATION
If you’re eligible for Legal Aid, you can access free mediation services, including initial MIAMs and joint mediation sessions. Legal Aid ensures that all families, regardless of financial circumstances, have access to safe and effective dispute resolution.
Check your eligibility for Legal Aid here.
“The mediator ensured that my concerns about my child’s safety were taken seriously. I felt supported and heard throughout the process.”
"The mediator was incredibly understanding and focused on prioritising our children’s safety and happiness."
“Thanks to mediation, we created a plan that prioritised our children’s well-being and reduced conflict.”
Get Support Today
At Pax Mediation, we are here to help you navigate family disputes with care, professionalism, and a focus on child protection. If you have concerns about your child’s safety or well-being, contact us to learn how we can support your family.
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Contact Us Today