(a Family Mediation service)
We provide a safe setting for children to express their feelings about their parents’ separation and share their experiences with others. For children aged 7 - 12 yrs.
Children who may be interested in joining a group can be referred by social workers, health professionals, solicitors, schools or any other agency which comes into contact with children; or they and their families can refer themselves.
Each child and their parent(s) have a short meeting with the group leaders. This is to discuss the group in more detail, to answer any questions children or parents may have, and to enable the leaders to assess how a child might fit into the group. There may be reasons for deciding that a child would not suit the group, or for asking them to go on a waiting list for the next one.
There are six sessions of about one hour each for 6 weeks after school hours and it important that, once signed up, the children are able to attend every session. The maximum number of children per group is 8, and attempts are made to have a good mix of age, gender and circumstances.
The children are allowed a range of modes of expression, mixing active games, talking, drawing and role-playing to suit the particular group members, and maximise their ease of expression, interest and enjoyment. There is a basic group structure and common themes which run through most groups, and these are adapted to fit the needs of each group as it develops.
At the end of the group programme, each family is offered a short feedback meeting with the group leaders. The children are able to report back on the group to parents and group leaders. Parents are also given the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback on their experience of their child’s taking part in the group. The leaders give general feedback about the child’s participation in the group, and children who wish to say something specific to their parents are supported in doing this.
Children’s groups are important in affirming the children’s experience and helping them to move on when new arrangements are made for their care. While neither a substitute for mediation, therapy or counselling, nor for good parenting, the groups do offer a unique opportunity for children to normalise and come to terms with their experiences.