THE OMBUDSMAN FOR Children’s Office (OCO) has aimed to address concerns young people might have regarding family law issues through a new series of videos, in conjunction with the Courts Service.
The two videos, entitled You Are Not Alone and Finding Your Way, explain the process of a divorce, the emotional effect of this on both the parents and children, and explains family law court proceedings and how the courts function.
The new information campaign is part of the Family Law Project.
The OCO also intends that the videos could be used by parents who are finding it difficult to speak with their children about what follows a separation, or for professionals who are working with young people who are experiencing this situation.
You Are Not Alone, aimed at 13 to 15 year-olds, highlights how parents might seek counselling or family mediation, and how children can have their say during divorce proceedings.
A second video, Finding Your Way, contains similar content but is aimed at parents who are going through a divorce or are separating.
It explains steps such as how a family mediator functions, and how to access these services through the Family Mediation Service.
It highlights how they can obtain legal representation during court proceedings, and stresses that the welfare of any children is taken into account
The OCO says that it has collaborated with the Courts Service on the videos “in accordance with our statutory mandate to promote and raise awareness of children’s rights and welfare”.
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