Child Inclusive Practice

A process that explores your child’s experience of separation.

Child Inclusive Practice CIP

Monarda Mediations’ Child Inclusive Package gives your child a voice in the Family Dispute Resolution process.

A trained Child Consultant meets with your child to understand their views in a safe environment, followed by feedback sessions with each parent to integrate their perspective into the mediation.

This process ensures that your child’s needs and wishes are considered in your decision-making. Suitability is assessed to ensure this approach is appropriate.

We’re committed to helping you navigate the recent changes in family law, prioritising your child’s well-being in every step of the mediation process. 

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During your initial intake, your FDRP/Child Consultant will conduct an assessment regarding suitability of Child Inclusive Practice for your family.

Once assessed as suitable, your FDRP/Child Consultant will obtain written consent from you to proceed with meeting your children. NOTE: Consent is required by both parents to be able to proceed.

The Child Consultant will spend up to an hour with your child while they conduct age-appropriate, play-based activities that are aimed to provide a glimpse of their lives across two homes, through their lens.

Each parent will meet with the Child Consultant to discuss what they learnt during the time shared with your children. The Child Consultant will only share direct feedback with the children’s consent. During this appointment, the Practitioner will help you build a Child-focused agenda for your upcoming mediation.

During your session, your children’s feedback will ensure that their voice is heard and considered, providing valuable insights to help inform your agreements, which will be drafted by your Practitioner. 


Our CIP Process

The Child Consultant will spend up to an hour with your child, while they conduct age-approroiate play based activities, aimed to provide a glimpse of their lives across two homes, through the child’s lens.

Each parent will meet with the Child Consultant to discuss what they learnt, and where given permission to share, during the time with your child to help you to formulate an agenda for your mediation, based in this.  
Please be aware that prices are based on a singular child’s intake. Siblings attract an additional fee of $250 per child. See the Services and Fees page for additional information.

CIP Fees

FAQs for Child Inclusive Mediation

We’ve compiled answers to your most common questions about our services, the mediation process, and fee details.

The Family Law Act 1975 has recently been amended to focus on the wishes and desires of the child. This approach ensures that your child’s voice is heard and considered in the decision-making process. It can help parents understand how their child is coping and what arrangements would best support their well-being, leading to more child-focused and effective agreements. 

Not always. A suitability assessment is conducted to determine if this process is appropriate for your family. Factors like the child’s age, emotional state, parental readiness and the nature of the parental conflict are considered to ensure the process is beneficial and safe for the child. 

While the child’s views are important and considered, they are just one factor in the decision-making process. The parents and mediator will work together to create an arrangement that balances the child’s wishes with other relevant considerations. 

Generally, children aged 5 and above are considered, but it depends on the child’s maturity and ability to communicate their views. The suitability assessment helps determine if this process is right for your child. 

Yes, the child’s privacy is respected, and the consultant will only share what the child consents to being shared with the parents. The goal is to ensure the child feels safe and supported throughout the process. 

No documents/ reports or notes will be provided to parents, and all information gathered is confidential and NOT admissible in court.

Yes, parents can request Child Inclusive Mediation at any stage. However, it’s best to discuss this with your mediator, who will assess the suitability and timing of involving the child. 

If your child is not comfortable participating, their decision will be respected. The process will continue without the child’s direct input, and the mediator will help parents focus on what they believe is best for their child. 

CIP Fees

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