Mediation Separation or divorce is not something that any of us plan for when entering a new relationship. Unfortunately things don’t always work out. It is a difficult enough time for adults when their relationship breaks down, but even more complicated when there are children involved. Often emotions run high, communication becomes more difficult and it can be hard to work out what is best for the children. Family Mediation Highland offers free and confidential support at this time.

Mediation

Family Mediation gives parents, young people, or other family members the opportunity to discuss issues arising from parental separation and family disruption, work out practical arrangements and improve communication. It is not about helping parents to get back together again, but is there primarily to assist parents to successfully parent together whilst living apart.

• Mediation is voluntary. You choose to start it and you can choose to end it at any time.

• The mediation service is free and completely confidential. Exceptions can arise if there are issues regarding children’s safety, or if evidence regarding criminal activity is revealed.

• Mediation takes place at our office in Inverness and at key locations throughout the Highlands.

• Before using any of our mediation services each person has a confidential, individual appointment to find out about the service so they can decide whether mediation is right for them. This appointment can be conducted either face to face or by telephone.

• You meet jointly in a safe environment with a fully trained and qualified mediator present to discuss issues concerning your children, or related difficulties.

• The mediator will not take sides, give you advice or make decisions for you.

• Mediators will help you talk to each other and focus on what is in the best interests of family members, and children in particular. The aim is to look to the future.

• Parents can talk freely and what occurs during family mediation cannot be used in civil proceeding in Scotland unless both parties agree.

• Mediators can help you avoid painful and expensive legal battles.

Children and Young Person’s Counselling Service

Counselling is available to children and young people (aged 4 – 18) who are experiencing difficulties as a result of parental separation, family disruption or amalgamation.

The service has been set up in response to a perceived unmet need amongst the children of separating and separated parents.

The counsellor will use her skills to try and enable the child or young person to work through their difficulties in their own way, at their own pace and so better adjust to the changing family circumstances. Depending on age, the young person may choose to play, use toys or art materials to work through difficulties, or talk. It is a child centred approach. Counselling cannot be imposed on young people and to be effective even small children have to “opt in”.

• The counselling service is free and completely confidential. Exceptions can arise if there are issues regarding children’s safety.

• Counselling takes place in the Inverness Office and at key locations throughout the Highlands

• The counsellor will meet the parent with whom the child lives, to explain the service. Ideally, the counsellor will also have contact with the other parent.

• Normally, the child will have a series of around six meetings with the counsellor followed by a final review.

• Support is also offered to parents to talk through their concerns regarding the parenting of their children post separation / divorce. This may be particularly helpful to parents of very young children who are not able to access the counselling service directly or for children who do not want to come.

• Counsellors are members of British Association for Counselling, and receive professional supervision from the Department of Child & Family Psychiatry, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, in respect of their work.

Family Mediation Highland Contact details

Co-ordinator: Linda Lowe
Counsellor: Tine Butterworth
Outreach Counsellor: Ann Craig

Address: 62 Academy Street, Inverness, IV1 1LP

Tel: 01463 712100
E-mail: fmhighland@btinternet.com
Website: www.familymediationscotland.org.uk

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday – Thursday 9.30am - 5.00pm
Friday 10.00am - 2.00pm

Appointments may be made outside these hours by arrangement.

Access

Offices located on top floor of building. A ground floor, fully accessible room is available in Inverness for mediation by arrangement.