What direct support it will provide to family mediation services in light of the importance which the Family Law Bill places on such servic…

The Executive has longrecognised the importance of family relationship services. We continue toprovide financial assistance, now under the Children, Young People and FamiliesUnified Voluntary Sector Fund, to support core and training costs of fournational family organisations including Family Mediation Scotland, and ten localfamily mediation services. The amounts total over £1.261 million for 2005-06.In addition, funding of £250,000 was available in 2004-05 and a further£250,000 is available again this year for the four national family organisations in return for their commitment to a change programme. The organisationsare working together more closely to integrate some of their administrativefunctions and structures, for the benefit of the end user.