At The Groundworks Lab, we recognise that children are directly affected by family separation, yet their experiences are often understood only through the perspectives of adults. Our Child Consultant services ensure that children’s views, experiences, and emotional needs are carefully and appropriately considered within Family Dispute Resolution.
Child Consultancy forms part of a child-inclusive mediation process, where a trained Child Consultant meets with children in a developmentally appropriate and supportive setting. The purpose is not to ask children to make decisions, but to understand their lived experience of the family situation, their relationships, and what helps them feel safe, secure, and supported. The Child Consultant then provides professional feedback to parents within mediation, helping them better understand their child’s perspective.
This process assists parents to move beyond assumptions and conflict positions, and instead make informed, child-focused decisions that support their child’s emotional wellbeing, developmental needs, and ongoing relationships with both parents.
THE CHILD CONSULTANCY PROCESS
Child Consultancy can be arranged by parents directly, or through referral from lawyers, mediators, or other professionals involved with the family.
The process usually involves the following steps:
- Background information - the Child Consultant receives relevant background information from the parents or their legal representatives, to understand the family situation and the issues to be addressed.
- Meeting with the children - the Child Consultant meets with each child in a private and supportive setting. The number and length of sessions may vary depending on the child’s age, needs, and the complexity of the matter.
- Feedback to parents - the Child Consultant provides developmentally informed feedback to parents, usually as part of mediation, to help them better understand their children’s emotional needs and experiences. This feedback supports parents in making informed, child-focused decisions.
The structure and timing of Child Consultancy may vary depending on the needs of each family.
Want to know about our child consultants?
Director
BA, BSW, PhD
Partner
BBehavSc(Psych), LLB(Hons), GradDipLegalPrac, MSW, GradDipFDRP
Dr Rayleigh Joy is a highly experienced Child Consultant, Family Consultant, and Single Expert Witness, with over 25 years’ experience across clinical practice, academia, and the family law system. As Director of The Groundworks Lab and an accredited Mental Health Social Worker, she brings a depth of expertise in both therapeutic work and forensic assessment.
Rayleigh is known for her ability to understand and communicate complex family dynamics with clarity and precision. In child-inclusive processes, she focuses on helping parents meaningfully understand their child’s internal world, particularly in the context of separation, conflict, and change. Her approach is both analytical and empathetic, supporting parents to move beyond positions and toward decisions that reflect their child’s developmental and emotional needs.
Liz Katona is a Child Consultant, Family Report Writer, and accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner who brings an integrated legal and clinical lens to post-separation family dynamics. With a background in both law and social work, she specialises in understanding children’s experiences within complex family systems, particularly where there are concerns related to conflict, family violence, or emotional safety.
Liz’s approach is grounded in developmental and trauma-informed practice. She focuses on translating children’s experiences into clear, structured feedback that supports parents to make decisions that reduce pressure on the child and prioritise their emotional wellbeing. Her work is informed by frameworks such as Safe & Together and child-inclusive practice, with a strong emphasis on ensuring children are not burdened with responsibility within adult disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is Child Consultancy?
Child Consultancy is a process where a qualified Child Consultant meets with children to understand their experiences, emotional needs, and adjustment in the context of their parents’ separation.
At The Groundworks Lab, Child Consultants are highly trained professionals with specialist qualifications and experience in child development, family dynamics, and the impact of separation and conflict on children. Our Child Consultants also may work as family report writers, and family dispute resolution practitioners, and are experienced in helping parents and professionals understand children’s needs within family law contexts.
-
What is the purpose of Child Consultancy?
The purpose is to help parents understand their child’s experience and emotional needs, so they can make decisions that support their child’s wellbeing. When children feel understood and supported, they are more likely to adjust well to family changes.
-
Do both parents need to agree to Child Consultancy?
In most cases, both parents agree to participate in Child Consultancy, particularly when it forms part of mediation or a joint dispute resolution process. Child Consultancy is most effective when both parents are willing to engage and consider the feedback provided.
-
Will my child be asked to choose between parents?
Children are not asked to make decisions or choose between their parents. Decision-making remains the responsibility of the adults.
The Child Consultant may explore the child’s experiences, feelings, and level of comfort within different care arrangements, to understand what supports their emotional wellbeing. This helps ensure that decisions are informed by the child’s needs, without placing responsibility on the child to decide outcomes.
-
What happens during a Child Consultancy session?
The Child Consultant meets with each child individually in a calm and supportive environment. The conversation focuses on understanding the child’s experiences, relationships, and emotional needs. Sessions are tailored to the child’s age and developmental level.
-
What happens after the session?
The Child Consultant provides feedback to parents, usually as part of mediation, to help them understand their child’s needs and experiences. This feedback helps parents make more informed, child-focused decisions.
-
Will my child’s exact words be shared?
Information is shared carefully and thoughtfully, with the child’s wellbeing as the priority. The focus is on helping parents understand their child’s needs, rather than repeating statements in a way that could make the child feel exposed or responsible.
-
Is Child Consultancy the same as a Family Report?
No. A Family Report is a formal Court assessment used as evidence. Child Consultancy is a consultative process used to help parents understand their child and support decision-making, usually within mediation.
-
Can Child Consultancy help if my child does not want to see one parent?
Child Consultancy can help identify what may be contributing to the child’s reluctance and provide guidance to parents on how to respond in ways that support the child’s emotional wellbeing.
-
At what age can children participate?
Child Consultancy is generally suitable for children aged five years and older. The approach is adapted to each child’s age, maturity, and comfort.
-
How do I prepare my child for Child Consultancy?
The most helpful approach is to keep explanations simple and neutral. You can let your child know they will be meeting with someone who talks with children to understand how things are going for them, and to help parents make good decisions for their children.
Reassure your child that they are not in trouble, and that they are not responsible for making decisions. The purpose is simply to understand their experience and help ensure they feel supported.
-
Is Child Consultancy confidential?
Child Consultancy is not fully confidential, as feedback is provided to parents. However, information is shared in a careful and developmentally appropriate way, with the child’s wellbeing as the priority.
-
How do I arrange a Child Consultancy?
Child Consultancy can be arranged as part of mediation or by contacting our office directly. We can guide you through the process and discuss whether it is appropriate for your family.
-
How do I find out more?
Please contact our office.
WHY CHOOSE THE GROUNDWORKS LAB?
-
Expertise: Our child consultants specialise in integrating children's perspectives into family mediation, ensuring their voices are heard and considered.
-
Child-Centred Approach: We prioritise the well-being of children, providing a safe environment for them to express their thoughts and feelings during family transitions.
-
Commitment to Positive Outcomes: Our approach aims to reduce conflict and promote healthier family dynamics, fostering better communication and sustainable agreements.
FEES
These may vary according to the number of children and parties.
Please contact The Groundworks Lab for detail.