0.00-01.00 – Introduction
01.00-05.00 – What is the background legal context regarding children’s right when their parents separate including their right to be heard.
05.00 – What is a Direct Child Consultant and what do they do? We do not ask them where they want to live etc. So, what do we do when we are with a child…
10.45 – We have to be very careful for example if there are indications that one parent is using this process to manipulate a child’s views **
11.30 –What if children are saying different things to each parent
13.00 – It works well when parents and children appreciate and make the most of the opportunity to express to each other through the DCC and in mediation what really matters to them and then to talk about these things as a basis making important practical decisions regarding the children
14.30 – Sometimes children just want an opportunity to let their parents know that they need their parents to communicate better and sort things out together for their kids
19.00 – Why are Direct Child Consultants being used so infrequently? There are some very good reasons
* Very high conflict situations for example where there is a risk that one or both parents will feel the need to go back to the child to quiz them
It could simply be a reluctance by the parents to ‘hand over’ their children to a complete stranger ie a need to protect the children and not involve them in their decision making…
23.30 – How do the parents involve a DCC in mediation. Step by step….Consent and confidentiality are important principles…
28.30 – Is there any public funds available for this kind of work. There are Govt £500 Vouchers available for the mediation process
28.30 – How do parents and mediators contact you?