Mediation can be a valuable tool in these cases because:

•  Mediators keep parties focused on the best interests of the child;

•  All parties are in the same place at the same time hearing the same information;

•  Mediation generates trust, openness, communication, cooperation, and creative options;

•  Mediation gets at real underlying issues quickly;

•  Parties feel ownership of agreements prior to court order; and

•  Everyone has a voice.

Issues that can be addressed in mediation include:

•  Development of Service Plan / Parent-Agency Agreement; Service plan compliance;

•  Petition-wording;

•  Visitation plans;

•  Child Placement disputes;

•  Transition planning for permanent placement;

•  Permanency options;

•  Communication difficulties ; and

•  Contested adoptions.

*Mediation never involves mediating the facts of abuse or neglect.

Participants in a Permanency Planning Mediation may include:

•  Parents;

•  Attorney(s) for parents;

•  Lawyer GAL for child/attorney for child;

•  Family Independence Agency and/or private agency case worker;

•  And, as appropriate: Children, Other Relatives, Foster Parents, Prosecutor, Other Service Providers, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), and Other Support Persons.
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“It was less intimidating for parents than court because they had input. One of the most motivating things happened when the children asked questions of the dad. The dad had the opportunity to apologize, which seemed very healing. The child was very positive when she left.” – Court-Appointed Special Adocate volunteer

“I and everyone else were heard; the accomplishments the father and I have made were heard.” - Mother

“We have saved the court from having to hold as many as 5 or 6 hearings, and two of the cases were subject to jury demands. In one case, the attorneys were so impressed with the process that they rescheduled mediation to continue after a period of reflection by the parents.” -Judge

“The lack of formality and protocol helps people resolve disputes in mediation.” - Attorney Guardian Ad Litem
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If you are interested in setting up a Permanency Planning Mediation, you can directly contact The Dispute Resolution Center through our online form or by calling our office in Washtenaw County at 734-222-3745.