Children’s Participation and Perspectives in Family Disputes

Abstract

AbstractFrom a sociological perspective, this chapter discusses how agency interventions in the lives of children involved in family disputes, could become as child-centred and child-friendly as possible. It is divided into two parts, the first focusing on child health in family disputes, and the second on children’s participation and perspectives. The discussion sets out the results of several empirical studies of children in contact with family-law services and identifies implications for policy and practice. On a policy level, the author describes a need to dissolve boundaries between family-law proceedings and child welfare. To reach that objective in practice, the issue of children’s participation is connected to risk assessments and how best to communicate with children. The author explains how both the principle of care and the principle of participation can be simplified, then applied in practice, in order to contribute to the child’s sense of security and coherence. It is further argued that children’s participation can be enhanced, drawing on research of how best to communicate with them. Finally, the chapter explores children’s actions beyond participation, noting that, the children interviewed in one of the studies, emphasized their right to decide for themselves.