ABSTRACT
Many couples seem to choose child-centred mediation, while retaining lawyers for their financial negotiations. The skill of power-balancing has been much discussed and debated within the mediation movement, and an article by Joan Kelly has provided much-needed clarification. Mediation is, therefore, on the boundaries of the law and family counselling/therapy. At present there are two main bodies who train, accredit, and supervise mediators: National Family Mediation (NFM) to whom services are affiliated if they reach the required standards, and the Family Mediators' Association who train and accredit experienced lawyers and counsellors who co-mediate. Increasingly, mediators are seeking training so that they may include consultation with the children or children's counselling. Selected mediators in services affiliated to NFM are being offered training in consulting to children whose parents are involved in mediation. Unlike some marriage guidance and most child and family referrals, mediation is usually almost immediately available but is only possible if both partners agree to engage in the task.
