What is Child Protection Mediation?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every seven children in the U.S. experiences abuse or neglect every year. Even more concerning is that the number is likely underestimated due to unreported cases. These children suffer physical and emotional effects. They’re also at an increased risk of future additional victimization, substance abuse and negative changes in brain development..

In order to protect these children, they’re often removed from their homes and placed in a safer environment. However, it’s not an easy process. Court cases can be stressful, expensive and lengthy. The worst part, court cases often do nothing to address the root of the issue and work towards change and reconciliation. That’s where child protection mediation can step in.

When allegations of child abuse and/or neglect result in children being removed from a home, a series of complex steps are triggered. The goal of these steps is to place these children in a safe, permanent environment that’s in their best interest. It often involves a diverse group of adults—biological parents, foster parents, attorneys and child protection professionals. The number of individuals makes communication difficult.

Child protection mediation involves a specially trained mediator helping everyone involved collaborate to find a mutually agreeable solution for the children. Instead of working against each other, the confidential process of meditation is non-confrontational. It allows all sides to share their perspectives and input on what they feel is best for the child.

Mediation is faster and less expensive than resolving conflicts in the courts. It focuses on the most important issue at hand—positive outcomes for the child. Hopefully a new path of resolution, rehabilitation and reconciliation will be created for the families.

The Child Protection Mediation Process

The child protection mediation process may vary based on the allegations and the courts. If it’s decided that mediation is appropriate for the dispute, there is a general set of steps that can be taken. A specially-trained mediator will first explain their role, the goals, and ground rules. The grund rules typically include the fact that you’re there to work cooperatively toward a resolution, and not to assign blame.

Each party will then have the opportunity to explain their perspective on the dispute, the consequences this situation has had, and what they feel would be the best resolution. The mediator will impartially guide the conversation in away that ensures both sides have are heard without interruption. Mediated issues might also include conditions the parents must satisfy or services they will use before the children can return home. These conditions and service often include child care options, parenting classes and rehabilitation programs.

When there are no outstanding questions, the mediator will shift the conversation to reaching a solution and terms of the agreement. In most cases, the original goal was to create a plan that ends with reunifying the family. However, this goal often shifts to finding the best placement for the child until reunification can happen. Unfortunately, reunification isn’t always possible. In those situations, the goal then shifts to finding a placement that’s the safest, most suitable for the child.

When resolution is reached, the terms of the agreement will be written down and signed by all parties. The signed agreement is then sent to the courts to be incorporated into an order.

The Benefits of Child Protection Mediation

Mediation is unique in that it allows all parties to walk away with a win. In contrast, court processes often result in a clear winner and loser. Mediation facilitates non-confrontational communication between families, foster parents, relatives, and others involved in the case. One benefit is that it’s participatory and gives parents that opportunity to contribute to the conversation, process and resolution. Involving the parents in the conversation leads to fresh perspectives and creative solutions that benefits all those involved.

The benefits of child protection mediation include:

Opportunity to learn more about their behavior and examine possible solutions, without a focus on blame.
Less expensive and time-consuming than the courts.
Increases understanding of what’s best for the child.
Reduces conflict between the parents and professionals.
Increases the ability of the child’s care team to work together effectively.
Opens up the lines of communication between all involved.
Improves the quality of and adherence to the agreement due to greater input from
all parties.

We’re Here to Help Families Work Together

Safety, support and a stress-free place to call home are things that every child not only needs, but they deserve. Using child protection mediation services to resolve disputes ensures you have the opportunity to reach a more cohesive solution. In addition, this fosters a more positive relationship going forward.

Reach out to Conflict Resolution Services at 231-941-5835 or casemanager@crsmediationtc.org. We’re here to help.