Giving a voice to children during family separation
Last year an act was passed that created provision for families and children going through separation to attend out-of-court mediation. This service, which aims to enhance the wellbeing for children experiencing separation, is means-tested and can be part or fully government funded.
Jill Goldson is the director of The Family Matters Centre, and specialises in researching and working with the family in transition during, and after separation. She says the service is of immense significance for whānau and children in Aotearoa, and the psychological and fiscal savings are huge. However, not enough people are aware of this provision, or how to access it.