Recognising the challenges presented to families experiencing separation or divorce, which in turn affect children, PRONIA is holding an information session on the ways grandparents and parents can receive support during those times of hardship through mediation services.
The seminar, organised in collaboration with Chadstone and Moorabbin Mediation Centres, aims to educate community members on mediation as an option available to resolve complex issues arising during family separation, such as parenting arrangements or communication of grandparents with their grandchildren, and refer them to various services according to their needs.
While mediation is used in a range of conflict resolution contexts, PRONIA’s community education officer Antonios Maglis explains why the service has been a game changer when it comes to family disputes.
“The underlying philosophy is serving the child’s best interests,” he says.
“Adjustments made to family law in 2007 recognised for the first time the rights of children to continue accessing meaningful relationships, regardless of what happens to their parents’ relationships.”
Essentially this means that not only parents, but grandparents as well can seek assistance through mediation services.
“Say, for example, the grandparents have had their relationship with their grandchild interrupted, after their son separated from the child’s mother on bad terms. They can access a mediation centre to state their problem.”
The other party of the conflict is then invited by the mediator, who aims for a solution that will allow for the child to continue formerly established relationships with their loved ones, provided there are no issues regarding the child’s health and safety.
If someone appears unwilling to negotiate, the person who accessed mediation can obtain a certificate from the mediator to take the matter to court. It is then up to the court to make a decision, which cannot be challenged by any party.
“This is why it is in the best interest of both parties to get involved in the mediation process once it has been initiated,” Mr Maglis explains.
“The aim of the seminar is to inform community members about the option of mediation, as many are not aware it exists and that they don’t necessarily have to resort to lawyers and spend thousands of dollars in litigation.”
PRONIA’s collaboration with mediation centres started 10 years ago, around the same time the above mentioned legislative change took place, in response to increasing calls for assistance from grandparents caught up in the middle of a family divorce or separation which affected relationships with their grandchildren.
This, in turn, prompted PRONIA to set up a family support program focusing on the issue, that has been running since then.
The upcoming seminar on mediation will be conducted by professional educators trained in the area of family relationships within a safe, confidential and respectful environment.
Presentations will be in English, but a Greek interpreter will be provided at the event. There will also be time allowed for a Q&A session.
The seminar, open to both parents and grandparents, will be held at Clayton Community Centre (9-15 Cooke St, Clayton, VIC) on Wednesday 12 September 10.30 am-12.00 pm. RVSP is essential. For bookings call PRONIA on (03) 9388 9998.