Overdue: 95 days
Public benefits
Public benefit flows from the Charities objects and activities. FMNI's purpose is specifically restricted to the alleviation of distress caused by relational break-up and family relationships: the preservation and protection of health and the promotion of the benefit and well-being of the inhabitants(beneficiaries) resident in Northern Ireland and
the Republic of Ireland without distinction of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability/ability, race, ethnic origin, political or religious or other opinion, by associating the statutory and local authorities, voluntary organisations and the inhabitants in a common effort to alleviate distress in the interests of social welfare with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants. Early intervention to empower separating parents to negotiate a bespoke agreement using child focused mediation to support future co-parenting and prevent/reduce entry into the adversarial legal system and place the child at the heart of all decision making has proven to achieve the best outcomes for children, parents, extended family and society. Reducing negative impact of separation on children reduces costs to society throughout the life of the child. (A) How are the direct benefits demonstrated? Alleviating the distress caused by relational break up of parents or families in dispute or difficulty through the provision of a family mediation service during and following relational break up and to facilitate or assist the facilitation of a safe place for negotiation, generating options, developing a parenting plan, enhancing communication, building resilience and negotiation skills, agreeing access for children, residency, maintenance/finance and other issues pertinent to the family that supports individuals to negotiate an agreed way forward that is particular to the families future needs. (note: taken from ‘purposes’/’objects’). In addition, at a very basic level direct benefits of engagement with mediation to all when access to children is agreed, reduces anxiety, reduces the potential for behavioural issues at school, when parents manage a separation that puts the child at the heart of the process. Benefits to children are immeasurable when separated parents mediate an agreement that negates or reduces time spent in court. UNCRC rights of the child indicate the child has the right to a relationship with both parents. FMNI strives to encourage more parents to seek help to manage a separation, skills learned are carries through as separation is not event it is relevant throughout the rest of the family’s life. b) Is there any private benefit flowing from the purposes? No ( other than usual expenses if claimed, travel etc) c) Is there any harm flowing from the purposes? NO d) Who are the beneficiaries? Adults and children involved in the break- up of a couple and family, or family disputes or difficulties;
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
Family Mediation empowers parents or (former) couples experiencing the trauma of separation or divorce to negotiate issues in dispute or causing concern so that they reach joint, lasting and comprehensive understandings. These include parenting issues,contact/access, residency, communication, managing financial matters and other problems particular
to individual family circumstances. These confidential discussions take place on a legally privileged basis with the assistance of a professionally qualified and impartial Family Mediator and the outcome is recorded as a Mediated Agreement document which may,if clients so desire be given to respective solicitors to become legally binding to become the basis of a court order. FMNI also provides the safe facilities to include the voice of the child in the process of mediation when assessed as appropriate in any given case. Family Mediation as a process is also available to those who are involved in a family dispute, engaging in negotiation facilitated by a third party in an neutral environment can assists compromise and agreement FMNI is also an approved family mediator training organisation and offers continual supervision and the maintenance of standards to safeguard the public. The service is free to 'pre-court' parents as an early intervention service and available across NI. FMNI raises the profile of research related to impact on children of a poorly managed separation and the subsequent negative long term effects of estrangement from one parent. We liaise and inform Government departments and other relevant agencies. We offer information sessions to community groups, other professionals and voluntary/statutory sector agencies
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The advancement of health or the saving of lives
- The relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage
Who the charity helps
- Children (5-13 year olds)
- General public
- Men
- Older people
- Parents
- Preschool (0-5 year olds)
- Women
How the charity works
- Education/training
- General charitable purposes
- Human rights/equality
- Medical/health/sickness
- Research/evaluation
