The Isle of Man Children's Centre is hoping a family mediation service it set up as a pilot scheme in the autumn of 2008 can continue, despite a decision by the Manx government not to provide the necessary funding.
On Friday, family law advocate Kevin O'Riordan said he was saddened to see the service under threat, when there was a general feeling it had achieved its aim of providing a gentler and less expensive alternative to full-blown court proceedings.
Head of Family and Community Services for the Children's Centre John McKenzie has confirmed the mediation service may have to close down, but is hoping another source of funding can be found.
He says the social and financial benefits of such a service are considerable, and the running costs aren't huge (play audio file):
The Manx government plans to set up its own mediation service later this year, and the Department of Home Affairs is holding a public meeting on June 15, for people interested in becoming registered government mediators.
