Child-Informed Sessions are a short-term, structured process designed to help parents better understand how their child may be experiencing family change — without placing the child in the middle of adult conflict or decision-making.

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This service is often appropriate when parents are not yet ready for a child-inclusive process, or where direct child participation may not currently be suitable, but parents still want guidance that remains genuinely child-focused.

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Depending on the family’s needs, the process may include a gentle, play-based child meeting together with a separate parent session. Children are not asked to make decisions or comment on adult matters. The focus is on understanding how the child may be navigating uncertainty, change, and everyday stress in a safe and developmentally respectful way.

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Insights from the process are then used to support parental reflection and more informed decision-making. This may include consideration of routines, communication, transitions between homes, and practical ways to reduce stress while promoting emotional safety.

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These sessions do not involve therapy, diagnosis, or formal assessment. Their purpose is to strengthen parents’ reflective capacity so children are supported through change rather than exposed to it.

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Preparation resources may also be provided to help parents build shared understanding and practical language beyond the sessions.

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This service is generally offered via referral from a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner where additional child-focused support may assist families before, during, or alongside mediation.

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These sessions provide a calm and respectful space for parents to consider what their child may need — helping future mediation conversations feel more grounded and constructive.

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When provided by referral from an FDRP as part of the mediation process, these sessions may attract confidentiality protections under the Family Law Act.