Understanding Voice of the Child Centres
In the realm of family law and mediation, the voices of children are often overlooked or drowned out by the complexities of adult disputes. This is where Voice of the Child Centres come into play, offering a dedicated space for children’s perspectives to be heard and considered during family mediation.
Purpose and Focus: A Safe Space for Children
The primary purpose of a Voice of the Child Centre is to ensure that children’s voices are not just heard, but genuinely listened to and feedback is given to the parents in a mediation VOC feedback session. These centres are designed to provide a child-friendly environment where children can express their feelings, thoughts, and preferences without the pressure of adult expectations or conflict.
The centres work within a MediationWorx Hub. While a Voice of the Child Centre focuses exclusively on the needs and perspectives of children, a MediationWorx Hub offers comprehensive mediation services that cater to various services like parenting plans, co-parenting classes and after-divorce support.
Why Voice of the Child Centres Matter
The establishment of a Voice of the Child Centre is rooted in the understanding that children are often the most affected by family disputes, yet their opinions and feelings may not always be adequately represented. These centres aim to fill that gap by providing a supportive setting where children’s input can directly influence decisions that impact their lives.
In these centres, trained professionals work with children to ensure their voices are conveyed in a way that is respectful of their developmental stages and emotional needs. The goal is to make sure that children’s views are not only collected but are also meaningfully integrated into the mediation process and parenting plans.
Key Features of Voice of the Child Centres
- Child-Focussed Approach: The environment and processes are tailored to be welcoming and non-intimidating for children, ensuring they feel safe and supported.
- Expert Guidance: VOC Practitioners who specialise in the VOC process work closely with the children to help them articulate their views effectively.
- Impact on Decisions: The insights gathered from children in these centres are used to inform decisions in family mediation and relocations, ensuring that the child’s best interests are always a priority.
Empowering the Youngest Voices
Voice of the Child Centres represents a vital step forward in ensuring that children’s voices are heard in situations where they might otherwise be overlooked. By focusing on the needs of children from 3 years old in the context of family disputes, these centres help ensure that children are not only seen but are also heard, respected, and considered in decisions that affect their lives.