We in Michigan are still working through whether it is appropriate for a
child specialist to "mediate" a parenting plan with the parents. My own
feeling is that this is what the coaches can and should do, and the CS be
limited strictly to informing parents of options in the context of the
particular family's unique needs. This would naturally involve an educative
aspect. That said, we have had cases where the parents, in an attempt to
limit costs, have requested that the CS go on to mediate the schedule
instead of using the coaches. What do others think? Siri Gottlieb
_____
From: CollabLaw@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:CollabLaw@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Honey Hastings
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 7:31 AM
To: CollabLaw@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [CollabLaw] Re: Role of the child specialist
We do not yet have the team model, but a colleague & I have in 2 cases
involving young children referred our clients to a "child specialist." This
person is an MSW and experienced mediator. In both cases, she discussed
children's developmental needs with them & mediated the parenting plan.
Meanwhile, the lawyers facilitated the financial issues.
Anyone else see a child specialist in this way? Or is it a hybrid between
use of child specialist & use of mediator within CP?
Honey Hastings
honeyhastings@ <mailto:honeyhastings%40earthlink.net> earthlink.net
office/Wilton NH 603.654.5000
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