Mediation & Family Counselling FAQs

Our trained child consultants, specialists in Child Inclusive Mediation, meet with children individually or in a sibling group setting to engage in age-appropriate discussions, activities, and exercises designed to explore their feelings, concerns, and needs regarding the family situation.

A child consultation is part of Child Inclusive Mediation, it provides children with a safe and supportive environment to express their thoughts, feelings, and preferences regarding family matters during the mediation process.

Section 12 of the UN Rights of the Child states that children must be provided with the opportunity to be heard in processes where decisions will be made that effect them.

Child consultation allows children to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives, promotes their emotional well-being, provides avenues for relational repair and ensures that their perspectives are considered in the resolution of family disputes.

Families going through separation, divorce, parenting disputes, or any other family conflict where children's interests are at stake can benefit from the child consultation service.

Child consultation services at BRB Mediation are tailored to accommodate children of various ages, developmental stages, and communication abilities, ensuring that each child's unique perspective is valued and understood.

The process is designed for children of school age (5 years and up) however younger children in a sibling group may still be able to participate. Adult siblings older than 18 years are also welcome to participate too.

Yes, child consultation sessions are confidential, and the information shared by children is not disclosed to parents or other parties without the child's consent, except in cases where there are concerns about the child's safety or well-being.

The consultant will check with the child what information can be shared with their parents at the feedback session and explore with them how best to do this.

Bianca Roche-Bolger has trained in various models of child inclusive practice, and has many years experience in working clinically with children of all ages and their families.

While parents do not directly participate in the child consultation sessions, they will provide background information and consent for their child to participate.

After the consultation, the child consultant will hold a feedback session with all parents and their mediator, to discuss key themes and specific needs, which in turn will inform the decisions reached in mediation.

No. As child consultation is a privileged process held under confidentiality of Family Dispute Resolution, feedback is given live to parents in session with the mediator. A report is not written, however, the mediator will take the child's issues and agenda back into the joint mediation session so agreements can then be formulated.

Bianca Roche-Bolger is equipped to handle sensitive issues and disclosures that may arise during the consultation process. They follow ethical guidelines and legal requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of the child while also providing appropriate support and referrals as needed.

To schedule a child consultation session at BRB Mediation, simply contact us or The Mediation Collective to discuss your specific needs and concerns.

Your family dispute resolution practitioner (mediator) may also have made a direct referral to Bianca Roche-Bolger for child consultation as part of your mediation process and Bianca will liaise with them to ensure that the process is comfortable and supportive for you and your child.

Child Inclusive Mediation is a consultation process that supports parents in hearing their child’s “voice” either during or after a separation. It assists parents in conflict to understand separation from their child’s perspective and to make decisions that keep their child’s emotional and developmental needs at the forefront, whilst rebuilding a new parental alliance for the years ahead.