1. International Family Mediation A global Programme International Social Service General Secretariat 4th April 2016, Melbourne

2. ISS Global Programme All projects: Support the formalisation process of International Family Mediation Facilitate access to mediation for families worldwide Establish and professionalise international mediation practice

3. ISS Projects (1) Addressing families Publication of a guide for families and professionals: With the help of the ISS Advisory Board Practical Information Easy to use Highlighting complementarity between mediation and the law Distributed internationally Translated into 6 languages, soon 8

4. Projects (2) Addressing families Website with the content of the Guide supplemented by a directory by country with useful information on professional support in each country (ISS, child welfare, psycho-social and and legal support, useful hotlines and links etc.) Set online 31 of May 2016 www.ifm-mfi.org

5. Projects (3) Addressing mediation professionals: Coordination of the drafting of the Charter on International Family Mediation Processes Work towards a global network of international family mediators (accredited for their training, competence and experience) Aims: Unite qualified professionals and networks from all continents and strengthen recognition of international family mediation among administrative and legal authorities.

6. Content of the Charter An international group of family mediators representing all continents and including all structures specialising in International Family Mediation jointly adopted 10 core principles during a meeting in Geneva in 2015. These principles are a fundamental requirement for cross-border family mediation practices. A set of key principles to be respected 1.Voluntary participation 2.Suitability of mediation 3.Decision-making by the participants 4.Access for each participant to independent legal advice 5.Confidentiality 6.Independence 7.Impartiality 8.Consideration of the rights and the interests of the child 9.Qualifications of international family mediators 10.Cultural awareness and sensitivity of mediators

7. Content of the Charter A series of best practices to help ensure the key principles The same group developed close to 30 good practices during the same meeting. Good practices give guidance, they are not a requirement.

8. Distribution of the Charter To States (administrative and legal authorities handling cross-border family cases) => Together with a set of recommendations to guarantee confidentiality and independence of the process, as international family mediations often occur in a legal framework. Through all ISS partnerships => (political organisations such as The Hague Permanent Bureau and the European Union, networks of professionals, advocacy groups etc.)

9. Towards a global network of mediation professionals ISS will coordinate an international discussion among mediation professionals to elaborate a fair accreditation procedure: Defining competence and qualification required to be part of the global network of international family mediators Taking into account differences in access to training

10. Projects (4) Addressing State Actors: Publication of a sensitisation guide regarding promotion and encouragement to mediate in cross-border family disputes

11. Partnerships in cooperation with the ISS Advisory Board of international experts (Private International Law, Child Psychology, Cross-cultural Studies, International Family Mediation)

12. Contact: mediation@iss-ssi.org Thank you for your attention and support!