The Voice of the Child in Family Disputes: International Experience and Modern Approaches

How can we truly hear the voice of a child? Disputes involving children require particular sensitivity, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the best interests of the child. Modern international approaches increasingly emphasize children's participation in processes that affect their lives and the search for solutions that take their needs and well-being into account.

During this panel discussion, participants will explore international standards in child-related mediation, modern approaches to addressing parental conflicts, and practical experience from different countries in considering the voice of the child in family disputes. Special attention will be paid to the role of mediation in reducing conflict between parents, supporting children in difficult life situations, and creating conditions for decision-making that prioritizes their best interests.

The panel will provide a platform for professional exchange and discussion of current trends in the development of family mediation involving children.

Event Information

Date: June 12, 2026

Time: 10:30–12:30 EEST (Kyiv, GMT+3)

Moderator

Polina Klykova - child rights advocate with an interdisciplinary background in social work and law, Head of the NGO "Article 3".

Speakers

Mercedes Iglesias Plaza - Advice Line Consultant and MiKK Project Assistant, translator and interpreter, Certified Cross-Border Family Mediator (CBFM).

Jill Goldson - mediator, researcher, and author, internationally recognized expert in child-inclusive mediation and children's participation in family dispute resolution.

Maria da Conceição Oliveira - attorney and mediator.

Lisa Parkinson - one of the founders of family mediation in the United Kingdom, co-founder of the first family mediation center in the UK, Vice President of the Family Mediators Association.

Larysa Hretchenko - attorney, mediator, Chair of the Family Law Committee of the Ukrainian National Bar Association.

Who Will Benefit from the Event?

The panel will be valuable for mediators, attorneys, judges, psychologists, social workers, educators, and everyone working with children, families, and child rights protection.

The event is organized by the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation in partnership with the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) and with the financial support of the European Union within the framework of the EU Project "CONSENT".