A four-level Child-Centered Continuum Model (CCCM) for being child focused and child inclusive is introduced as a skills based framework to increase the likelihood that children are considered in mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes. This framework highlights children as parties to versus objects of family matters that affect them and begins with the belief that children are active participants in family systems. Parent readiness to hear their children is reviewed as well as a description of each of the four levels of the CCCM. Issues related to ADR practitioner neutrality, child and family safety, and skills are addressed.
Jon Graham LL.B., BA (Psych) Grad Dip FDR (Australia) is a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (Family Mediator) based in Sydney, Australia. Jon has qualifications in law, psychology and commerce as well as post-graduate qualifications in Family Mediation. Jon combines over 20 years of clinical experience with families affected by separation and divorce with a substantial training calendar across Australia. Jon is the Clinical Director of the Institute of Specialist Dispute Resolution, a provider of tailored family dispute resolution processes for families presenting with complex issues.
Lorri Yasenik Ph.D. is a Registered Family Mediator, past President of Alberta Family Mediation Society, Registered Parenting Coordinator-Arbitrator, Registered Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist and Child Specialist. Lorri provides child psychotherapy and play therapy and is the Co-Director of Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute. She delivers national and international training related to children’s issues and specialized child and play therapies. Her doctorate dissertation focused on “Including the Voices of Children of Separation and Divorce in the Legal System”.
The International Symposium of Children Now regrouped numerous experts in family mediation through whom we had the chance to hear different conferences pertinent to how to deal with high conflict family situations.
Principles and Recommendations following the symposium are available at Theodone.com
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