Child Protection Mediation

What is Child Protection Mediation?

Child Protection Mediation takes place when child protection services (in Ontario, the Children’s Aid Society or CAS) have become involved with a family due to any type of concern about the potential wellbeing of the child/children.  Examples include when there is a question about the physical or emotional state of a child, possible neglect, cases when friction between the parents or other adult members of the family reaches the point that it causes concern for the children, etc.

Child Protection Mediator

In such situations, a child protection mediator who has received specific training and is qualified for this sensitive work may be assigned.  The mediator’s task is to assist the all the parties (which can include parents, guardians, grandparents, child protection services worker) to communicate effectively with one another.  The goal is for all the parties to come to an agreement about the children’s care that ensures the safety and wellbeing of the children, meets the requirements of the child protection service, is workable for those who are involved in the children’s care, and promotes healthy relationships between the family members.  The child protection mediator is impartial in the process, does not take any sides, and does not make decisions for the parties.  Rather, the mediator guides the process of  communication to make it effective and smooth,  so that the parties are best able to come to productive results.

Heidi has many years experience mediating child protection cases and she is a member of the Child Protection Mediation Provincial Roster.