NFM says child-inclusive mediation remains ‘out of reach’ for many
The charity National Family Mediation (NFM) has called on the government to ‘do more’ to support child-inclusive mediation in a bid to tackle the issues that arise when children are exposed to conflict within their family.
The call to action falls on this year’s Youth Mental Health Day, and follows the release of the Independent Family Review which shows that no less than twelve percent of children experience parental conflict, and that those children who do are at a higher risk of problems with their mental health, and their relationships with others.
The findings include reference to the NHS Digital Survey of young people in 2021, which found that among 11-16-year-olds those with probable mental disorders were twice as likely to report problems with family functioning.
Jane Robey, CEO at NFM, explains: “As is highlighted in the report family relationships play a huge contributory factor in the physical and mental health and wellbeing of children. Those that experience parental conflict are at a higher risk of problems with their mental health, and their relationships with others.
“There is an overwhelming amount of data to show that this puts them on the back foot when it comes to their ability to lead happy and productive lives, and even has a direct impact on things like their potential income later in life.”
The report also shows that 28% of parents who have been through separation lean on family mediation services in order to support and sustain the family relationship, and while NFM says that figure has further increased thanks to the introduction of the Government Mediation Voucher Scheme which helps families to resolve conflict without going to court, the service remains ‘out of reach’ for many who want to embrace child-inclusive mediation.
“The report also shows that many families embrace mediation in a bid to resolve such conflict, and thanks to the government’s mediation voucher scheme many more people are now able to access that support,” Jane explains. “That’s a huge step in the right direction.
“Indeed, at NFM we have even seen an increase in child-inclusive mediation in recent months in comparison to previous months, and that is largely because of the awareness that exists around the benefits of mediation in helping to resolve family conflicts.
“However, due to the cap on how much can be claimed through the scheme – which is currently £500 – child-inclusive mediation sessions remain out of reach for many. That means that the children themselves are not having their voices heard when it comes to matters that directly impact and affect them.
“Youth Mental Health Day is all about getting young people, and those around them, to talk about how to improve metal health, and how to make changes that can help to create happier and healthier lives.
“Child Inclusive Mediation does just that. It gives children an opportunity to share their worries and concerns for the future without the pressure of feeling responsible for decision making or feeling that they have to take sides.
“Given the important role that this service can play in reducing the immediate and longer-term impact of parental separation and conflict, we are calling on the government to do more to make it accessible to all families.”
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