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IMI, ISM University and SIMI Certified Training

What About Me? It’s My Life Too!

Starts 28 Feb 2024
16:00
CET
Online
Led by Lisa Parkinson
Registration is Free
Registration Ended

Training Summary

The Report of the Family Solutions Group, What About Me? A Child’s Right to Matter was launched in November 2023 with a reception at the House of Commons. Members of the UK Youth Parliament spoke strongly about wanting to have their views heard and taken into account when arrangements are made for them. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 recognises the child’s right to be heard and the Brussels II Regulation (March 2005) upholds this right in European Member States. But recognition of the child’s right to be heard does not mean the child will be heard in practice. Court-appointed advisers do not always speak with the child and if they do, the child’s words may be disregarded. Children are rarely included in mediation because parents fear that including them would make the child more aware of the conflict and more anxious, while mediators may not feel confident or qualified to talk with children. Consequently, children continue to be left on the side-lines. Since 2017, new requirements in England and Wales and additional training for family mediators have resulted in more children and young people taking part in mediation. Children say this helps them to feel better and research studies show that talking with a qualified family mediator benefits children’s mental health. Children’s messages for their parents reduce conflict and encourage agreement. Young people show far more insight and understanding than adults generally expect.

Trainer

flag-of-United-Kingdom
United Kingdom
Lisa has over 40 years' experience as a family mediator and previous experience in mental health social work and family therapy.

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Mariana Contreras

Mariana Contreras Leal holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and an M.A. in Global South Studies, with a focus on culture, society, and politics. As the Community Manager and Marketing Associate at Consensus Group, she thrives in bringing people from all around the world together. She has also completed her mediation training.

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