Annual of social work, Vol. 21 No. 1, 2014.
Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.3935/ljsr.v21i1.13
INTRODUCING FAMILY MEDIATION IN SOCIAL CARE SYSTEM –PROFESSIONALS’ PERSPECTIVES
Marija Breber
; Udruga
Branka Sladović Franz
orcid.org/0000-0002-3091-022X
; Department of Social Work, faculty of Law. University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
It is argued that, the experiences in divorce proceedings mediation and the knowledge of social care expert opinions regarding family mediation are some of the preconditions needed for the implementation of family mediation services within the social care system. This paper aims to demonstrate the current family mediation system characteristics in order to improve collective understanding and development of family mediation services. The research used a qualitative approach to collect data from the discussions of the two focus groups. The two groups consisted of 13 experts (psychologists and social work professionals). Furthermore, a thematic analysis method was applied for all data processing. The research findings point to the experts who are familiar with the basic knowledge about mediation processes. On the other hand, findings show that amongst the experts there is a degree of confusion regarding mediation process. The confusion is especially evident in relation with other professional procedures and when the aims of family mediation questions are raised. Furthermore, the results show that t the conflict reduction, better communication, gaining insight and reaching agreements are positive mediation outcomes.
Based on the past experiences, the research shows that in addition to the divorce mediation experts also use mediation in post- divorce and parent- child conflicts. Furthermore, the research describes the barriers which are technical or organisational by nature but also the ones that are users and experts specific. The insights gained during the research are commented on in the conclusion. Subsequently, to conclude one aims to illuminate the weak points within the current mediation procedures and to treat the advancement of the same as the prerequisite for achieving coherent family mediation concepts and better future legislative and organisational solutions.
Keywords
family mediation; divorce mediation; helping profession experts perspectives
Hrčak ID:
128011
URI
Publication date:
16.6.2014.
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