Reduced-Fee Community Mediation Now Available for Eligible Families Experiencing Financial Hardship — Enquire Here
Child-Informed Parent Sessions
Supporting parents to understand and respond to their child during family change
Child-Informed Parent Sessions are a short-term, structured process designed to help parents better understand how their child may be experiencing family change — without involving the child directly.
This service is often helpful when parents are preparing for mediation, feeling unsure how their child is coping, or wanting to approach decisions in a more child-focused way.
Sessions focus on:
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how children typically experience separation at different developmental stages
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emotional and behavioural responses to change
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common stress points for children during transitions between homes
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practical ways to support stability, attachment, and emotional safety
The aim is to strengthen parents’ reflective capacity so decisions are guided not only by logistics, but by a deeper understanding of what their child may need.
These sessions do not involve therapy, diagnosis, or assessment. They are psychoeducational and reflective in nature, providing a calm space for parents to consider how to support their child through change.
Where appropriate, this process may also help determine whether a child-inclusive consultation would be beneficial.
What to Expect
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A calm, structured process
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Clear professional boundaries
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No direct involvement of the child
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A focus on adult understanding and responsibility
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Child-focused guidance to support decisions and routines
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Preparation for next steps within the Family Dispute Resolution pathway
Benefits for Parents
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Greater clarity about how change may be affecting their child
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Child development insight without exposing the child to adult conflict
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More confidence in responding to children with steadiness and care
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A stronger foundation for future parenting decisions
Why it is Good for Children
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Protects children from adult conflict and pressure
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Keeps children out of adult decision-making
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Allows children to be understood without needing to explain, reassure, or choose
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May help children feel safer, steadier, and more supported during change