Mediation Program Overview

Dependency Mediation Program Overview

Program Description

Dependency Mediation is an informal and confidential process where the family, social workers, attorneys, and other people in the case meet with a trained mediator. The mediator helps the parties explore ways to resolve differences and make a plan that everybody agrees is safe and best for the child.

Mediation offers a cooperative approach to dependency cases, with the goal of moving cases forward quickly in a non-adversarial setting, avoiding contested trials. The court generally allots three hours for each mediation session. On the day of mediation, the mediator provides each parent with a brief overview of the mediation process. All parties sign a confidentiality agreement prior to the mediation and all parties are given an opportunity to be heard during mediation. If an agreement is reached, a written agreement is signed, with each party receiving a copy. The agreement is then forwarded to the judge. After reviewing the agreement, the judge signs it and enters a court order formalizing the agreement in the case.

Accessible Services and Support

Five contract mediators provided services as part of the Second Judicial District Court’s participation in the Statewide Juvenile Dependency Mediation Program.