"The 3rd edition of this essential title continues its significant role in providing a substantial resource for practitioners, anchoring their work in best practice, standards and ethics." - From the Foreword by Professor Hilary Astor Mediating with Families 3rd edition provides unique insights into the theory and practice of mediation in Australia.
It considers the variety and diversity of family relationships, such as those between same-sex, de facto and married couples, parents and adolescents, extended family relationships, siblings and their elderly parents. Mediating with Families has established itself as the pre-eminent resource for: Seasoned family dispute resolution practitioners and those starting out in the field; Lecturers and trainers in family dispute resolution; Administrators and managers of family relationship centres; Family lawyers, collaborative lawyers, child consultants, social workers and psychologists; and Mediators interested in working with families in all their variety. Mieke Brandon and Linda FIsher have thoroughly revised the 3rd Edition, capturing a wide range of new developments and continuing to provide unique insights into the theory and practice of family mediation in Australia. They authoritatively discuss assessments for suitability and the range of dispute resolution processes such as shuttle, co-mediation, the conduct of financial and property matters, and the child's voice in mediation. It also considers how concerns of family violence can influence power relations and the ability of parties to problem-solve and to negotiate. New developments in this edition include: Significant changes to the relevant law for parenting and property matters for same sex and opposite sex couples; Issues that can arise in families when children are conceived through surrogacy, donor sperm or adoption; Expanded coverage of the role of the mediator in facilitative practices such as problem-solving, narrative, transformative and therapeutic mediation; The use of mediation and conciliation in the Children's Court in care and protection, and guardianship matters; Increasing use of electronic means to conduct mediation; and Dealing with complaints about practitioners. The 3rd Edition also reflects the latest research and issues from the `coal-face' for mediators, such as: Fresh approaches to cross-cultural issues, expanded sections on the art of questioning, and information on indigenous mediation from centres which have large and diverse ethnic populations; The importance of hearing the child's voice in mediation and understanding their needs; Intake processes, the role of support people, and the capacity of parties to mediate; Issues of family violence, its impact on the parties and on the mediation; and The need for supervision, mentoring and coaching to support practitioners in their personal and professional development. Mediating with Families 3rd Edition includes many case studies and reflective examples which inform readers and enable them to consider how their own values and beliefs can influence the mediation process.
