Child-Inclusive Consultations
Bringing the child’s voice into gentle focus.
Separation and family change can be experienced very differently by children than by the adults around them.
Child-Inclusive Consultation provides a safe, developmentally appropriate opportunity for children to share their experiences, perspectives, and needs in a way that feels respectful and age-appropriate.
The purpose is not to ask children to choose between parents or make decisions about arrangements. Instead, it is to help parents better understand how their child may be experiencing family change so decisions can be made with greater insight, empathy, and care.
How Children Participate
Each consultation is tailored to the child’s age, developmental stage, communication style, and individual needs.
Depending on the child, sessions may include:
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Play-based activities
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Drawing and creative expression
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Storytelling
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Conversation and reflection
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Child-friendly engagement tools
The environment is intentionally warm, calm, and non-clinical, helping children feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.
Feedback to Parents
Following the consultation, feedback is provided to parents in a respectful and child-focused manner.
The feedback focuses on:
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The child’s experiences and perspectives
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Developmental considerations
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Adjustment to family change
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Factors supporting the child’s wellbeing
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Issues that may benefit from parental attention
The aim is to support parents in making decisions that are responsive to their child’s needs while maintaining appropriate boundaries around the child’s participation.
Professional Approach
My approach is informed by the Child-Inclusive Mediation model developed by Dr Jennifer McIntosh AM and grounded in principles of:
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Child safety
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Consent and participation
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Developmental understanding
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Emotional wellbeing
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Family relationship preservation
Each consultation is conducted with careful consideration of the child’s readiness, comfort, and best interests.
Important Information
Child-Inclusive Consultation is not:
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Counselling
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Therapy
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A family report
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A parenting assessment
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A forensic assessment
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Legal advice
The purpose is to bring children’s experiences into the decision-making process in a safe, respectful, and developmentally appropriate way.
Where provided as part of Family Dispute Resolution, consultations may attract confidentiality protections under the Family Law Act, subject to relevant legal exceptions.