Lisa Parkinson – författare

Originally published in 1986, reissued here with a new preface, this study of the origins and early development of family conciliation services in Britain outlines their philosophy, methods of work and reported results, illustrated with case examples. The examples demonstrate that disputes between separating and divorcing couples involve complex personal and family problems as well as legal ones, and that the practice of conciliation needed to be set in the context of current changes in family law and court procedures. At the time many solicitors and courts were adopting a settlement-seeking approach in matrimonial cases rather than a sharply adversarial one, and the complementary roles of solicitors and conciliators gave rise to dilemmas in practice, as well as offering potential advantages.This book draws a parallel between the work of ACAS in industrial disputes and the similar approach of family conciliation services, but points out that there are also major differences. It also shows how the experience of conciliation practice gained in other countries throws some useful light on the questions being raised in Britain. Research findings from Australia, Canada and the United States are used in discussing the future of conciliation in the short and longer term, and in looking at the possible development of alternative methods of resolving disputes.

Originally published in 1986, reissued here with a new preface, this study of the origins and early development of family conciliation services in Britain outlines their philosophy, methods of work and reported results, illustrated with case examples. The examples demonstrate that disputes between separating and divorcing couples involve complex personal and family problems as well as legal ones, and that the practice of conciliation needed to be set in the context of current changes in family law and court procedures. At the time many solicitors and courts were adopting a settlement-seeking approach in matrimonial cases rather than a sharply adversarial one, and the complementary roles of solicitors and conciliators gave rise to dilemmas in practice, as well as offering potential advantages.This book draws a parallel between the work of ACAS in industrial disputes and the similar approach of family conciliation services, but points out that there are also major differences. It also shows how the experience of conciliation practice gained in other countries throws some useful light on the questions being raised in Britain. Research findings from Australia, Canada and the United States are used in discussing the future of conciliation in the short and longer term, and in looking at the possible development of alternative methods of resolving disputes.

‘Lisa has been a pioneer for many years of innovative mediation practice involving young people This book provides convincing evidence of the power of young people’s voices and the necessity that they be heard.’ Neil Robinson, mediator, consultant and trainer, Mental Health Tribunal Judge, Visiting Professor, Staffordshire University ‘Lisa Parkinson’s expertise of more than four decades as a mediator and her enormous experience and deep insights into child-inclusive mediation make Conversations with Young People in Family Mediation an invaluable and essential read for those interested in this topic.’Christoph Paul, co-founder of International Mediation Centre for Family Conflict and Child Abduction, Berlin.‘There is a genius to Lisa’s writing that blurs the edges between report and rapport ....it is peppered with lively examples and anecdotes.’ Glynne Davies, mediator and family lawyer, LondonConversations with Young People in Family Mediation highlights the importance of talking with young people and taking account of their views, because they have the right to be heard and they need to be involved in decisions affecting their lives. The book includes:- Valuable advice from young people on how to talk with them in helpful ways - Anonymised examples of young people’s participation in mediation - A chapter on Diversity and Inclusivity - An overview of significant research findings - Appendices including a draft code of practice and sample documentsIt is an invaluable guide to this important topic for mediators, lawyers, judges, social workers and academics. This title is included in Bloomsbury Professional's Family Law and Mediation online services.