Child Protection

Child protection mediation, also known as CPM, is a free mediation program. All families that are in court for child abuse and neglect are offered mediation. CPM gives parents the chance to talk about their family and try to resolve the court case.

People in your mediation may include:

• Your attorney
• The other parent
• The other parent’s attorney
• Social workers
• Assistant Attorney General (an attorney for the government)
• Guardian ad litem (at attorney for the children)
• Mediator (A mediator is a person trained to help you and the other people in your case have a conversation. A mediator does not take sides or give advice.)

Other people are not allowed in the mediation, unless everyone in the mediation agrees.

At mediation, you and all of the other people in your case can talk about:

• what support you need
• what help your children need
• when you can see and talk to your children
• Do not bring children.
• who can take care of your children while they are not at home with you
• how to have your children returned to you
• how to resolve the court case.

How to prepare for mediation:

• Get a good night’s sleep the night before mediation.
• Think about what you want to talk about.
• Write down questions.
• Talk to your attorney.
• Talk to your social worker.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
• Do not bring children.

Can I have mediation in person?
You may ask for an in-person mediation. All participants must agree to an in-person mediation. To make a request you must submit an Application to Appear In Person within 24 hours of receiving the mediation scheduling email sent by your case manager. The case manager will follow up with the requesting party(s) within 24 hours of the request.