Learning from Research: Evaluating mediation as a tool for strengthening relationships

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral third party helps people make mutually acceptable decisions. Discussions within mediation are privileged and cannot be used in court. The kinship care mediation pilot project, run by Family Solutions, aimed to improve communication between kinship carers, birth parents, and other caregivers, supporting them to make shared decisions in the best interests of the child. Frequent and poorly resolved conflict between parents and carers can place children at risk of mental health issues and academic problems (GOV.UK, 2021). While family mediation has been around for over 40 years, there has been a very small number of studies on its impact, particularly in the context of its use with kinship families. Therefore, this pilot project aimed to provide support in communication and conflict management techniques in addition to mediation to help with improving strained relationships. These extra elements were also delivered by the accredited mediators, who were trained in trauma informed practice, positive parenting techniques and communication skills. As kinship caring can cause strain and conflicts between carers and birth parents, mediation could be a beneficial approach for enabling communication to resolve such disputes. From a research perspective, despite kinship care rising the UK policy agenda it still has a growing evidence base. As highlighted in a review of special guardianships (as one type of order a kinship carer could be granted), the evidence around special guardianship is in its early stages when compared with fostering and adoption. In particular, the lack of evidence on children’s medium- and long-term outcomes is striking (Harwin et al., 2019). This feasibility study, led by Coram’s Institute for Children, aimed to contribute to the developing the evidence base on what interventions and support can work best for kinship carers, family members and children in kinship care. The project and the evaluation were funded by Foundations, the national What Works Centre for Children & Families. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How Family Solutions developed and implemented a mediation pilot project tailored for kinship families in four local authorities across South England, and mediators’ reflections on running a mediation service for kinship families What kinship carers, birth parents and local authority professionals impressions and experiences of the project were What can be learnt from the project to develop the evidence base for interventions to support kinship families and recommendations about how the service could be delivered and evaluated in the future. PRESENTERS Hannah Lawrence, Research Manager, Coram Hannah is a Research Manager at Coram’s Institute for Children, where she leads high-impact research and evaluation projects focused on improving outcomes for children and young people experiencing social disadvantage. She is an experienced principal investigator, commissioned by central and local government and UK What Works Centres. Hannah specialises in inclusive and applied research, with a strong track record in designing and delivering complex studies that centre lived experience. Since 2023, she has led the feasibility study of a mediation pilot project for kinship families. This mixed-methods study has included in-depth interviews with kinship carers, birth parents and referring professionals. Hannah holds a distinction in Social Research and Social Policy from UCL and has authored over 20 publications. Helen Savage, Funding & bid adviser, training partner, former solicitor, Family Solutions Helen qualified as a family lawyer in 1997 and has two decades of experience supporting families in conflict. With a background as an accredited mediator and child consultant, Helen works as a project manager for Family Solutions, where she oversees the delivery of targeted family support initiatives, including the Kinship Care Mediation Project. She is also CEO of Southampton Family Trust, a charity which supports vulnerable families through evidence-based parenting programmes and relationship support. Helen trains professionals in communication skills, conflict resolution, parenting, trauma, domestic abuse and child-to-parent violence. She delivers a range of parenting programmes including The Incredible Years, Strengthening Families, Feelings Affect Behaviour, Time Out for Parents (Children with Additional Needs) and Building Respectful Families. She provides training to mediators on working with high-conflict families, running trauma-informed services, and supporting clients affected by mental illness. Helen provides support to couples using the Prepare Enrich relationship education programme. She has a particular interest in working with couples where one or both partners are neurodivergent. WHO'S IT FOR This webinar is for social work practitioners, managers, senior practitioners and anyone working closely with kinship families