Family mediation grant will strengthen domestic abuse screening

The Family Mediation Trust (TFMT) has recently announced that the Family Mediation Council (FMC) has been awarded funding through the Family Mediation Impact Fund to develop a ground-breaking resource aimed at strengthening domestic abuse screening and assessment within family mediation.

This initiative will provide family mediators with a standardised tool to assess the suitability of mediation for separating couples, ensuring safe and effective mediation practices for all participants.

Currently, all Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) include domestic abuse screening to prioritise safety. However, this new project will equip mediators with enhanced tools and training to assess risk more effectively and offer better support when abuse has been part of the family dynamic. By strengthening these screening processes, mediators will be better positioned to make decisions about whether mediation is appropriate and, if so, how to manage it safely.

The project will also address key concerns such as the balance of power between parties and ensuring that mediation remains a structured, supportive process. Crucially, this approach will help keep children at the heart of mediation, reinforcing the profession’s commitment to prioritising their needs and wellbeing.

Stone King is pleased to support this initiative. Rebecca Eels, Partner and child-inclusive mediator, commented:

"We welcome this important progress in family mediation. Mediation serves as a non-confrontational process for many families navigating separation, helping them find fair and constructive solutions. This project will strengthen mediators’ domestic abuse screening with the use of essential tools and guidance needed to thoroughly assess whether mediation is a safe and appropriate option for couples where domestic abuse is a concern. By strengthening screening processes, this initiative will help ensure that mediation remains a safe, effective, and balanced process that prioritises the well-being of all involved, including children."

With funding now secured, the FMC will begin developing the screening tool this spring, working closely with family mediators, domestic abuse experts, and sector specialists to ensure it is both practical and effective.

The tool will be integrated into the national training framework, ensuring that all FMC-registered mediators receive comprehensive training on its use. This will be delivered through the family mediation training provider network, embedding best practices into both initial training and ongoing professional development (CPD) by the end of the year.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening family mediation practices across the country, reinforcing the profession’s commitment to safety, fairness, and the well-being of families.

Our family mediators are experts at handling all aspects of relationship breakdowns, taking a family-focused approach that encourages separating couples to find the best possible solutions. We are also able to offer child inclusive mediation. To find out more, please see: Family Mediation | Bath | Stone King.