Hearing Children in Family mediation (HCIM)

Knowledge from methods and models that systematically involve children in mediation is important for the further development of practices that can safeguard children's right to be heard during the processes of mediation.  

Objectives of the project 

The aim of the study is to gain knowledge about children's participation in mediation processes and to contribute knowledge that can improve mediation involving children's participation. In this research project, mediators' experiences with children's participation in various forms of mediation are studied. Outcomes and user satisfaction are studied using the mediation model "Children in Mediation" (CIM) developed at Grenland Family Counselling Office. 

Children in mediation (english version)

Data and research methods  

Four mediation offices in different parts of the country participated in the first data collection (2013-2015). Informant groups were children aged 7 - 16 years, parents and mediators at family counselling offices. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The next data collection (2020) is part of the PhD candidate's project. Children and adolescents aged 12-16 years were recruited for qualitative interviews at three family counselling offices. The most recent data collection (2021 and 2024) consists of focus group interviews with mediators at four family counselling offices and individual interviews with parents. The focus of the latest data collection is mediation regarding the youngest children (0-6 years)