What is the 11 STEP child inclusive process
The following process represents a standard approach to asking a child expert to speak to your child(ren) when you are in mediation and attempting to work out your Parenting plan and child arrangements which suit you, as the parents, as well as your children.
One aim is for the child expert to feedback your childs’ views to their parents so that they can factor these into their thinking and approach when it comes to making decisions for and on behalf of their children. However, this will only happen if everyone agrees to this.
Step 1
Discuss with your mediator whether to involve a child expert and why- Explore options
See the 13 questions to ask in section 3.
This can be done with both parents during each MIAM and again, if necessary, together during a joint mediation session.
Step2
Both parents agree to involve a child expert and the reasons for this. Consensus is essential.
Step 3
Both parents agree with the mediator the most appropriate child expert to use
Step 4
The mediator asks the child expert to contact both parents
Step 5
The child expert writes to each parent to check the purpose of their involvement, explaining process and principles including how they work and their terms of business (see template letter in the resources section).
Step 6
Each parent signs a consent form provided by the child expert
Step 7
The child expert writes to the child explaining the purpose of the meeting and what is involved
Step 8
The child expert meets with child(ren) face to face or online
Step 9
During the mediation session the child expert feeds back the child(ren)s’ wishes and feelings, with the child(ren)’s permission
Step 10
The parents discuss this feedback during mediation when making decisions which affect their children
Step 11
The parents make ‘child centred’ and ‘child inclusive’ decisions and decide on actions which ensure, among other things, that their child(ren) feel that their wishes and feelings have been heard, understood and respected.
Have a look in the resources section for an example of a letter from a child expert explaining the process once parents agreed in mediation to involve a child expert.