Welcome to the eighth issue of ReSolution® in which we draw on the experience and expertise of leading experts in the field to bring you commentary, articles and reviews on topical matters relating to domestic and international dispute resolution.
In this issue we feature ‘child inclusive mediation’ in the context of family dispute resolution (FDR). Research tells us that one in three children before the age of sixteen is likely to experience a family break-up, sometimes several. How separation is handled over the following months and years is critical. Children caught up in their parents’ separation are profoundly sensitive and we must offer them the very best practice so as not to compound their struggle. In ‘Where is the voice of the child in FDR?’ Carol Powel, a leading expert in family mediation, discusses child focussed and child inclusive mediation; a practice that is a feature of the FDR Centre’s FDR mediation service. This intervention enables children to have a voice in the FDR mediation process as a means of reducing the risk associated with their parents’ separation - the cost is small, whereas the cost to our communities of unresolved conflict for children is incalculable.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank all our contributors. We are most grateful for the support we receive from dispute resolution professionals, law firms, and publishers, locally and overseas, that allows us to share with you papers and articles of a world class s standard, and to bring you a broad perspective on the law and evolving trends in the delivery and practice of domestic and international dispute resolution.
Contributions of articles, papers and commentary for future issues of ReSolution® are always welcome. I do hope you find this issue interesting and useful. Please feel free to distribute ReSolution® to your friends and colleagues – they are most welcome to contact us if they wish to receive our publications directly.