Parents are encouraged to discuss their own desires and plans as well as the present and future needs of their children in an open and postitive way. The focus is on the future rather than the past. The mediation program was developed to provide people with a choice, leaving the responsibility for making decisions where it belongs - with the family. While every family may not resolve their disputes regarding the future care of the children, most have found mediation useful in reaching acceptable agreements defining the ongoing relationships and responsibilities to each other as well as to the children. Conflict is natural and normal and issues concerning parenting are emotional and personal rather than legal.
Mediation is a method of resolving conflicts.
Mediation emphasizes that divorce is not the end of the family rather, a reorganization of how the family operates. The stress and anxiety associated with separation and divorce, particularly for children, can be reduced. Parents who invest time and energy putting together a plan for their children are more likely to adhere to the plan and are less likely to undermine it than those parents whose decision has been made for them by the Court. Research indicates that the successful adjustment of children following separation and divorce is directly related to the level of cooperation between parents and their continued involvement in the lives of their children. Mediation encourages participants to see themselves and each other as capable parents with a continuing responsibility to plan together for the future of their children.