Supporting Families in Change
- ATE/CHILDREN NOW
- Oct 10, 2006
- 2 min read
Updated: May 7
At the European Congress on Family Mediation 2006, held on September 29th and 30th, 2006, in Caserta, Italy, experts gathered to explore the challenges and solutions in mediating family conflicts. Below is a summary of a thought-provoking speech given by Children Now's CEO Ricaardoe Di Done, where he highlighted the importance of effective mediation processes and the surrounding support systems that can help minimize the negative impacts of family separations, particularly on children.
The break up of the family, single parent families and dysfunctional families are some topics that are very dear to my heart. My objective is not solely to address the subject of mediation, but also refer to the support system surrounding the mediation process so that we may maximize the efficiency of mediation and minimize the negative effects of separation or divorce on children and the rest of the family.
I propose the following six recommendations:
First, we must educate and sensitize youth about parental responsibilities, and we must help them along the way.
Second, we need a reconciliation system that will always be available in times of crisis for anyone with a problem caused by the break up of a family.
Third, if we decide to get a divorce, we must minimize the negative impacts on the child with the help of a specialized court and judges who work in collaboration with mediators. It must be an obligation to give references such as family mediation services to help people in need. Many of you may be against the word “obligation” but when we are talking about our children it must be a priority.
When considering the child’s best interest, it is crucial to maximize our efficiency to help prevent the negative repercussions of separation and divorce.
Fourth, we must eliminate terms that create friction between parties. For instance, replace 'legal custody' by 'parental responsibility' and 'support orders' by 'financial responsibilities of parents.'
Fifth, we must create a court specializing in family matters where judges have an extensive background in family law and psychosocial matters.
Finally, we must implement a system where, if a problem arises, individuals do not have to return to court. Instead, they can submit a complaint to a formal complaints office, where a specialized person will work to find a solution to ensure the arrangements work.
Click below to read Mr Di Done's full speech from the 2006 European Congress on Family Mediation.
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