Child Inclusive Practice (CIP)
What is Child Inclusive Practice?
Family law disputes can be tough, especially when it involves children. While the family law system is designed to protect children, it can also be a confusing and overwhelming process. Child Inclusive Practice (CIP) can provide the necessary support and guidance to the family to ensure that the needs and best interests of your child(ren) are taken into consideration.
CIP looks to include children, (preferably of school age) in the decision-making by keeping the process child focussed and where appropriate involve the child(ren) gently, to talk with an experienced professional who has training and experience working with children where there has been a family breakdown. This is most popular in Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) mediation matters pertaining to parenting where the children are given a voice, so their views and concerns are considered, via the experienced professional.
CIP is considered a positive step towards children having a say in decisions that affect their lives, and it is becoming a standard of practice in family law matters.
“What has been clear to me, over time, is the diminishing importance of children and their need to sustain the parent(s)-child relationship, where it is possible following a family breakdown. Studies also indicate the importance of the relationship between a child and their parent(s), both in terms of the family dynamic, and independently.”
— Josephine Byrnes-Luna
Aims and Benefits
A nurturing environment that supports parents in dispute to consider the unique needs of each of their children in relation to post-separation parenting and their hopes for the future as children.
Consultations are in a safe and supportive environment that allows the child(ren) to express their thoughts, feelings, views and concerns without placing them in a position of choice. It helps children communicate and explore their experience(s) of the family breakdown.
Assists in identifying any impact of parental conflict and suggestions to help reduce this and strengthen parental connections.
Facilitates communication between parents, children and the mediator or other legal professionals to improve communication, understanding and agreement upon parenting and other important matters.
All the feedback to the parents and other professionals is provided verbally after agreement with the child(ren), and then used as a guide in parental decisions in the family law process.
By prioritising the needs and best interests of the child(ren), we can work to achieve more positive outcomes and pathways forward for all involved.
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“Experience has proven to me how crucial the voice of a child can be to the FDR process, and I truly believe that considering the voice of children throughout the FDR process, especially when a parenting program is being developed, is fundamental to any success and for the future family dynamic.”
— Josephine Byrnes-Luna
The Process
The process can greatly assist parents in conflict better understand the new family dynamic that exists after separation from their child(ren)’s perspective. This way decisions can then be made with their child(ren)’s voices heard and with their very important emotional and developmental needs at the forefront.
Process
Referral for engagement with CIP where both parents have provided consent for the child(ren) to be involved.
Initial collection of relevant information, signing of CIP agreement and a short questionnaire to be completed prior to the first appointment for each parent, all completed on-line.
Any discussions with the FDR mediator or other professional with our consultant Josephine, as necessary, additional fees may apply.
Parents are to attend independent consultations either face-to-face or preferably online.
Children attend the independent consultation with Josephine in a face-to-face setting (unless geographically unsuitable, then online consultations are available).
Josephine will work with the child(ren) in formulating their feedback to their parents that will look to provide guidance to the parents in future decisions about their children’s lives.
Compilation of the consultation sessions for verbal feedback to parents and other professionals as necessary, e.g. FDR mediator.
Payment of the CIP process to be finalised
Feedback session with parents and other professionals, preferably online. No written feedback is provided.
Costs payable by each party prior to the final feedback session (it will be assumed that each party is bearing the costs equally unless advised otherwise).
Final feedback sessions endeavoured to be completed within two weeks of final consultation with the parties.
This CIP process is not a psychological assessment but rather an overview of how the child(ren) is experiencing the family breakdown emotionally and how their future emotional environments can be best supported to meet their developmental needs.