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Time runs out for family mediation service
A MUCH-praised family mediation service run by the Children's Centre will officially close tomorrow (Saturday) – due to a lack of funding.
The Centre announced in June that it was being forced to shut after the government turn down a request for funding.
It stopped taking referrals but continued to help the 10 to 15 families it was already working with – in the hope that there would be a change of heart from the Department of Home Affairs.
But now the centre has announced it will close the service for good on July 31.
In a statement, the trustees said it was now clear that the government was developing other options for mediation in the Island and the charity could no longer support the service from its own charitable funds.
A select committee investigation into the Isle of Man's legal aid system concluded that in the interests of both of children and the public purse there should be less litigation and more mediation.
And one of its seven recommendations, unanimously approved by Tynwald, is that careful consideration should be given to a bid for funding to save the Children's Centre's mediation service.
However, it looks like this has come too late for that service.
Instead, the Department of Home Affairs to looking at setting up a registration scheme for mediators.
John Knight, chief executive of The Children's Centre, said; 'As a charity we have long held the belief that stimulating service provision is an important part of our remit.
'Whilst ending our own service is regrettable we remain interested in the future developments around mediation on Island and will monitor the situation with a keen eye.
'Mediation is an invaluable service and should be available to anyone going through a divorce or separation.
'The Children's Centre's mission to place children and families first is the foundation upon which the Family Mediation Service was first established and we are very proud of what this service has achieved throughout the 18 months.
The Centre offers free of charge places on a 'Through the Eyes of a Child' course which looks at the impact of divorce and separation on children.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Send your comments to newsviews@newsiom.co.im
YOUR COMMENTS
Another backward step for the Island in a sensitive area our politicians yet again fail to fully understand. Amateur politics can be such a dangerous thing for a Nations future. A great pity. The family mediation service through the Children's Centre has done a wonderful job in an area of Manx life that is quietly horrendous.
PHIL.T
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Weather for Isle of Man
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 7 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South west
