Family Mediation
86% of mediation clients tell us it has helped improve their family situation
“It gave us a neutral place to move forward and discuss frankly all the issues at hand which did not happen when we tried on our own”
We support parents, children, young people and the wider family through family change and disruption, particularly where this has occurred as a result of separation, divorce, civil partnership dissolution or family restructuring. Mediation services are located in all parts of mainland and island Scotland.
The aim of mediation is to improve communication, reduce conflict and to agree on practical, workable arrangements for the future, taking into account children’s views, needs and feelings. Our focus is on putting children’s needs first and making separation less stressful for everyone.
Sometimes children find it difficult to say to their parents what they are thinking and feeling about the situation. It can be helpful for them to meet with a mediator to explore what is happening for them. Their views can then be shared, as agreed, with their parents to help with their decision making. There is more information about listening to children’s views here. Information specifically for children and young people, that explains how they can have their views heard, is available here.
Although mediation is primarily for couples whose relationship is over, it’s for all sorts of families – married or unmarried, divorced, separated or never having lived together, younger or older – and for anyone in your family. Parents, grandparents, step-parents, other significant adults, children and young people can all participate in family mediation.
Conflict is normal in families, and it can arise for a number of different reasons. Sometimes it helps to get some extra support to find a good way forward. We offer a range of other Family Support services, including Parenting Apart sessions, Children and Young Peoples Counselling and Young People and Families Mediation.
If you are thinking about Mediation, check out our blog post on What to consider when looking for a family mediator.
There is more information and links to free resources for adults, children and young people here. Read this blog post to find out how hearing a child’s views directly and sharing these within the mediation process helped one family -
Family Mediation – the Child’s Voice – Relationships Scotland (relationships-scotland.org.uk)
If you have concerns about your own safety or the safety of others please go to https://www.relationships-scotland.org.uk/family-support