Family Mediation Jersey (FMJ) is now able to support more islanders with their property, financial and childcare matters following a separation or divorce after recruiting five additional mediators to its team.
The funding for the recruitment, training and supervision of the mediators has been awarded by the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands. The Foundation also previously supported the organisation between 1998-2000 by financing the costs of selecting and training the FMJ Manager, eight mediators and two supervisors.
FMJ is a not-for-profit organisation, affiliated to National Family Mediation, and supported and co-funded by the Judicial Greffe and the Health and Social Services department. Islanders can refer themselves directly to the service as well as being referred from the Citizens Advice Bureau, lawyers, the court and other Jersey agencies and charities.
Mediators work with couples to facilitate communication and discussion around various issues. Evidence shows decisions made through this collaborative process, as opposed to via lawyers and through the court procedure can often be more effective long term.
FMJ mediators can also work with children to help their voice be heard as part of their parent’s mediation process.
Last year, 46 couples had initial assessments and 113 joint mediation sessions were held. Additionally, during the first six months of this year, mediators have facilitated 60 assessments with individuals and 71 joint mediations.
FMJ Chairman, Mike Cutland said: “We’re delighted to be able to provide this enhanced level of service to our community. The training curriculum is co-ordinated and delivered between UK specialists and our own qualified mediators. As a result, we’ve been able to equip our team with a high level of skill in order to best support families faced with difficult decisions.”
Jo Le Poidevin, Executive Director, Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, also commented:
“Family Mediation Jersey provide an essential service to Jersey’s community. The value of mediation for families when they are facing difficult and challenging situations is not to be under-estimated. We are proud to be able to support the charity in its ongoing work and allow for more islanders to benefit from the expert work of their growing team.”
