Families First Forum - Strong Consensus at Inaugural Meeting
The inaugural meeting of the Families First Forum took place on 1 December 2009. The initiative, instigated by the MII, provides a forum for key people and services to consider the options and facilities available to separating couples, and to consider additional supports and initiatives to enable them to make informed decisions on a broader range of options for resolving the issues.
The meeting of 1 December was well attended with representatives from Government Departments, the Judiciary, the legal procession, service providers and support groups in attendance. Through a series of small group work and large group input, the Forum considered the current system and how it delivers in relation to families in dispute, the needs of these families, the gaps in the system and how these might be addressed.
There was strong enthusiasm for the provision of enhanced access to Family Mediation that would have at its core, the provision of a client-centred, integrated, accessible, timely and cost effective service focused on achieving the best outcome for separating couples, families and children.
Given the high attendance at the meeting, the level of participation and the wide range of issues emerging, it was agreed that the MII would reflect on the issues raised and propose the most appropriate way to progress them.
For further information on the Forum findings see full article.
If you have any queries, please contact Claire Kearney, MII Family Mediation Liaison Officer.
