What we do
How we work
Our service has been designed in line with the Ministry of Justice’s mandate to keep children/families out of the Family Court. This is a service for people who do not need to be in the Family Court System. With few exceptions, it is mandatory for parties to undertake mediation before an application can be made to the Family Court for a Parenting Order, Custody or Guardianship Direction.
Confidentiality
All family dispute mediation is confidential; your privacy will be protected. There are two exceptions to this; one is where collated, non-identifiable information is approved for discrete research purposes and two; if child protection issues become apparent before, during or after the mediation process with an identified risk to the child(ren) and that risk is such that an investigation and assessment is required.
Funding
If you meet the Ministry of Justice eligibility criteria which is based on your income and the number of dependents you have responsibility for, the service will be funded for you. If you do not meet this criterion, a fee will be payable.
Geographic Areas
As a Canterbury based mediation service, we respond to and deal specifically with family dispute related issues throughout Canterbury/Otago and the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Where one of the parents/guardians is outside of this area, we are not limited by the geographic location of that parent. How the mediation will be undertaken in those circumstances, will be negotiated with all parties.
Service Design
Our services operate specifically to help families mediate to resolve disputes and conflicts, efficiently and effectively. Our customised, safe, responsive service is designed to provide a focus on and an outcome for children/young people and their families, no matter how entrenched, complex or difficult the family may think these problems are?