MEDIATION
What is mediation?
Mediation is a way for parties in conflict to settle the issues between them. This voluntary process is based on a belief in people's capacity to resolve their own conflicts with the assistance of
an independent, neutral person. By fully engaging in the process, parties retain control and are often able to identify creative and flexible solutions, which may not be available to them through the courts.
What is the role of the mediator?
The mediator is a neutral third party, who doesn't take sides, does not judge and does not make decisions for parties. The mediator is an advocate for the children and always keeps their best
interests front and centre. The mediator listens, asks questions, makes observations and imparts information relevant to the issues. The mediator facilitates the clients arriving at an agreement with which they can live.
What are the benefits of mediation?
Mediation helps you make your own decisions rather than having an outsider (a judge) make decisions for you. Mediation allows you to be creative and consider solutions that the court might not
be able to order. Mediation often results in better compliance with decisions because you have an investment in the solution you created. Resolution is usually quicker and is often less expensive than going to court.
How long does mediation take?
This depends on the number of unresolved issues and the level of conflict over those issues.
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Coaching
What is professional coaching?
Coaching is a profession that promotes excellence within individuals and groups by facilitating learning, engaging untapped potential, and supporting effective action.
Coaches:
• Help people set better goals and then reach those goals.
• Ask their clients to do more than they would have done on their own.
• Focus their clients better to more quickly produce results.
• Provide the tools, support and structure to accomplish more.
What is the basic philosophy of coaching?
Simply put, the premise is that people are great, that we're all discovering what we really want, and that we get what we want faster and easier by having a coach who is your personal champion.
How do Parent Education & Parent Coaching differ?
While there is some overlap between the two, Parent Education is generally conducted in groups rather than being tailored to individual families. A Parent Education approach utilizes a
didactic format. You are educated by a so-called expert. However, the Coaching approach considers that you are the expert on your family. In collaboration with a coach you become aware
and knowledgeable about what needs to happen to bring about change in your family relationships.
What is Parent Coaching?
At the heart of Parent Coaching is a collaborative relationship with a professionally trained coach. Through a series of focused conversations you become more self aware and more attuned to the meaning behind your children's behaviour.
Do children come to sessions?
Generally, the coach does not involve your children. After a few sessions, they receive the benefit of coaching while you change your behaviour. However, each family is unique and in some instances your coach may want to observe your interaction with your children.
Can coaching take place by telephone? Yes. The beauty of coaching is that you can call your coach from Tokyo or Toronto. You can be on holidays or taking a break from a hectic workday.
Can Parent Coaching help during separation/divorce? Parent Coaching assists you by giving you the tools to understand what you are experiencing, and why your children and ex partner are behaving the way they do. You will discover what your children need from you, what to say to them and how to communicate with your children's other parent.
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Parent Coordination
What is Parenting Coordination?
Parenting Coordination is an alternate dispute resolution service for high conflict couples. The Parenting Coordinator (PC) has two general functions:
(1) As a coach/educator/facilitator, who attempts to minimize parental conflict and enhance parallel parenting, cooperation, and mutual respect, and
(2) To assist parents to implement, maintain and comply with their previously agreed-to or ordered Parenting Plan. With the parents consent, the Parenting Coordinator may arbitrate some disputes relating to the implementation of the parenting plan.
What types of situations are best suited for Parenting Coordination?
Parents may want to consider hiring a PC when other avenues of problem and conflict resolution have been unsuccessful and when disagreements persist. It may be helpful for
families where parents: remain very angry at each other; have difficulty implementing their parenting plan without conflict; struggle to share child-related information; and have concerns about drug and alcohol use, the emotional stability
of the other parent, abuse, and parenting. In addition, parenting coordination can assist to resolve interim arrangements when parents, while separated, live temporarily in the same home. Also, the PC may be useful to families with young
children when the Parenting Plans include schedules that change incrementally.
How does the process begin?
Referrals are accepted after obtaining preliminary information from the parents and lawyers, if they are also involved. A review of the current parenting plan, court order and custody/access assessment report, if available, is required. If lawyers are involved, a conference call is advised to review the situation, mandate and Agreement. The parents attend either together or separately for an information meeting with the Parenting Coordinator during which the Parenting Coordination Retainer Agreement and process is reviewed and questions are answered.
How long does a PC work with a family?
A PC can be involved with a family from 12 months to 2 years, sometimes more.
Parenting Plan (Custody and Access) Assessments
What is a Parenting Plan (Custody and Access) Assessment?
When parents who are separated or divorced are unable to resolve disputes pertaining to the parenting arrangements (custody and access) of their children, a parenting plan assessment (custody and access assessment) may be required. An assessment is conducted and recommendations are provided as to what parenting arrangements are in the children's best interests. These recommendations are contained in a parenting plan.
What is a Parenting Plan?
A Parenting Plan is a blueprint or prototype for parenting that outlines each parent's roles and responsibilities. Its goal is to develop a plan that focuses on the working relationship between parents and helps the parents begin to work together as parenting partners in "the business of parenting their children". The Parenting Plan generally outlines parenting principles, parenting arrangements, including a schedule of parenting time, a decision-making protocol (education, religion and health) and a code of behaviour for parental communication.
What does the assessment consist of?
The assessment consists of individual and/or joint interviews with parents, their current partners (if applicable), interviews with the children individually, with each parent and together with their siblings, and observation in an office and during a home visit with each parent (if applicable). The assessment may include psychological testing of parents and possibly other caregivers and the children, self-report questionnaires, interviews with third-parties, such as teachers, doctors, therapists, and a review of all court documentation and additional relevant reports and documentation.
How long does it take?
Assessments usually take between 40 and 50 hours over 3 to 4 months depending on the complexity of the family constellation and circumstances.
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Family Needs Consultation
What is a Family Needs Consultation (FNC)?
A FNC is a child-focused interview conducted by the TEAM. Verbal and written feedback and suggestions for solution-oriented interventions are provided.
Who are the TEAM members?
We are a group of independent clinical experts in family conflict resolution.
Are children included in the consultation?
Generally, it is the parents who participate in the consultation. Sometimes, children are involved.
What type of feedback does the family receive?
During the consultation, The Team provides verbal feedback, including suggestions for solution-oriented resolutions. A written summary follows.
Who arranges for any follow up?
With the parents' consent, the Team together with the family ensures that a game plan is in place. (e.g.: referrals to appropriate resources). |