Rana's Story: Family Dispute Resolution

When ‘Rana’ approached Family Life hoping to reconnect with her nine-year-old son, ‘Leo’, after two years without contact, the path forward was far from straightforward. 

Following a separation marked by significant conflict, Leo was living with his father, ‘Daniel’, and was reluctant to see his mother. While both parents wanted what was best for their son, longstanding tensions and differing perspectives made communication difficult.

Following a referral from Family Dispute Resolution, a Family Life counsellor worked separately with Rana and Daniel to understand their concerns, identify barriers to reconnection and explore how they could support Leo’s needs. The child’s wellbeing remained at the centre of every conversation. Recognising the importance of proceeding at Leo’s pace, the counsellor helped Rana write a letter to her son, providing a gentle first step towards rebuilding trust and connection.

Individual sessions also gave Leo a safe space to express himself through art and play while preparing for contact with his mother. The first reunion was carefully planned, with safety measures in place and activities focused on creating positive shared experiences. Looking through family photographs, drawing together and playing games helped ease anxiety and create new opportunities for connection. Over time, the relationship continued to grow.

Supported by both Daniel and extended family, Leo began spending regular time with Rana outside Family Life, eventually progressing to ongoing visits and sleepovers. While Rana and Daniel never met together, their shared commitment to Leo’s wellbeing helped create a positive outcome. Through patient, childcentred support, Family Life helped a family take important steps towards healing, connection and a more hopeful future.