The Family Mediation Trust Welcomes the Government Voucher Scheme

The Family Mediation Trust Welcomes the Government Voucher Scheme

The government has today announced that it is investing a further £800,000 to its original £1m in family mediation, to support families to resolve issues relating to children. Under the scheme, the Ministry of Justice will provide contributions of up to £500 per family, to resolve issues relating to children following parental separation. Mediation will be provided by Family Mediation Council Accredited (FMCA) mediators and the fund will reduce the costs of mediation for a further 1,800 families.

Michael Mack, CEO of the Trust: “These vouchers have the potential to support a lot of families out of the court system to settle their disputes around children. The Trust has been working hard to ensure mediation is accessible across the East of England; and the vouchers, alongside the Legal Aid help we provide, will mean that mediation becomes practically free for many families”. 

John Taylor, Chair of the Family Mediation Council, said: “This government investment in mediation is much welcomed by the Family Mediation Council. It will help separated families agree solutions that are best for their children, taking into account what is going to be important for them as they grow up. Family mediation is a proven cost-effective way to resolve differences following separation. This voucher scheme will make it even more accessible, and will help families resolve issues for themselves, without having to go to court”. 

Family mediation is a process in which an independent, professionally trained mediator helps parents to work out arrangements for children and finances following separation. Mediation can also be helpful when previous child arrangements need to change, particularly as children grow up.