Child Protection Mediation

Child protection mediation (CPMed) is a commonly used ADR process within the child welfare system. It is fast and respects parents’ right to make a plan for their own family.

Since November 30, 2006, Ontario Children’s Aid Societies are required, under the Child and Family Services Act, to consider and/or use a prescribed method of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) on the following occasions:

  • If a child is, or may be, in need of protection, a Children’s Aid Society must consider whether a prescribed method of ADR could assist in resolving any issue related to the child or a plan for the child’s care (section 20.2(1))..
  • The court, at any time during a proceeding, and with the consent of the parties, may adjourn the proceeding to permit the parties to utilize a prescribed method of ADR to attempt to resolve the issues in a dispute (section 51.1).

How Can CPMed Help Us?

Child Protection Mediation (CPMed) can help your family work through a number of issues, including:

  • What service (s) the family will receive and participate in as part of the plan of care
  • The length of time a child will be cared for by someone other than their parent
  • How and when a parent or others may have access or contact to a child
  • Resolving a dispute that would otherwise have to be settled in court
  • The time when a child can return to their parents and what conditions must be met and maintained
  • Adoption Openness
  • Parent-teen conflict
  • Extended society care orders
  • Access after apprehensions
Unhappy girl caring a teddy bear

If you or someone you know is involved with a child protection agency/ child welfare agency ask how Child Protection Mediation may be of benefit to you and your family.

How Much Does Child Protection Mediation Cost?

Adopted son and mother are laughing

Child protection mediation is free to families involved in the child welfare system.

 

As long as the case is appropriate and parents are willing, their case will be mediated.

 

Families are encouraged to speak to their agency worker about enlisting the help of a child protection mediator.

How is Child Protection Mediation Funded?

Child protection mediation is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

 

Mediators are paid by way of a transfer payment agency, not their local child welfare agency, and, the mediation roster is managed by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation.

 

To be eligible, all referrals must be submitted to the local transfer payment agency by way of the local child welfare agency.