Return to Services Contact Us About This Service

Mediation and Counseling Services for Child Welfare

Representatives of various Child Welfare Agencies, such Children's Aid Societies, Family and Children's Services, or Department of Community Services District Offices may come into conflict with their clients from time to time. These disputes often concern matters of a serious nature, the focus of which is often children under the age of majority who are considered, for one reason or another, to be "in need of protection". Although these matters are often before the Family Court system, the Court and/or the assigned caseworker may request that a independent mediator be appointed in order to assist the parties in finding a solution to their conflict.

Agency workers often request Child Welfare Mediation in situations that involve an adolescent in conflict with their parents or guardians. The role of the child welfare mediator is to assist the disputing parties, through counseling, in finding a way to resolve their conflict and subsequently develop a mutually acceptable plan of action. Mediation sessions typically take 1.5 hrs. to conduct and several counseling sessions are usually required.

Return to Services Contact Us About This Service

Click for a Printable Version of this page