Child Protection Mediation Program
Since, 1998 the Child Protection Mediation (CPM) Program has provided free mediation services for mother's, father's, guardians, social workers, attorneys, foster parents, and other concerned parties who are involved in active Family Court child abuse and neglect cases. The program accepts case referrals at any stage of the proceedings from the initial hearing up to and though adoption.
Child Protection Mediation presents an opportunity for everyone involved in the case to:
- meet collectively in a neutral environment, away from the court,
- to participate in an in-depth exchange of case information,
- to seek solutions to the situation that brought the family into court,
- to identify options for a resolution of the case.
Mediation survey results have consistently revealed that 95% of the participants conclude that mediation is helpful in reaching agreed upon case goals. Parties leave mediation with a positive plan to work together collectively in the best interest of the children. Moreover, parents consistently state that mediation clarified the needs of their children and what their future responsibilities are to the court. By participating in mediation, parents begin to make fully informed decisions for the best interest of their family.
In November 2004, the Child Protection Mediation Program was evaluated by the Permanency Planning for Children Department of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. The evaluation concluded that mediated cases were less likely to return to court within 12 months after closure. This conclusion was based on 24 months of case tracking in which seven percent of the mediated cases returned to court with additional petition filing post-case closure, while 21% of litigated cases returned to court with additional petition filing post-case closure. The evaluation also stated that mediation had a positive result on cases that proceeded to trial, with issues presented at trial being more carefully identified. To that end, mediation is instrumental in facilitating more long-term permanency plans for the children with a lower re-entry in the court system rate.
Child Protection Mediation Provides:
- A highly-qualified mediator (trained by Multi-Door) to mediate a variety of child protection issues including abuse, neglect, guardianship, permanency, custody, and adoption.
- A confidential voluntary process that centers on the best interest of the child, family services, legal allegations, and options to resolve the case. Note: confidentiality does not extend to new allegations of child abuse.
- An opportunity for parents, attorneys, social workers, and concerned parties to openly discuss issues such as, on-going visitation, placement stability, the child's wishes, additional services, and legal issues from their perspective.
- Additional mediation sessions as needed.
- Same day resolve of the legal case.
What You Can Do to Prepare for Mediation:
- Make a list of topics for discussion.
- Continue to communicate with your attorney.
- Continue to communicate with your social worker.
- Schedule a minimum of three hours to complete mediation, and another hour for judicial involvement, if needed.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
- Bring a snack.
- Do not bring children.
- Plan to travel by Metro - Red Line to Judiciary Square, take the Building Museum Exit. Parking is very limited.
Location of Mediation:
Superior Court Building A
515 5th Street, N.W.
Suite 114
Washington, D.C. 20001
How to reach us:
Shavon Brooks, Case Manager: (202) 879-0667
Joan Burrell, Case Manager: (202) 879-0666
Janice Buie, Program Manager: (202) 879-0676
Darrell Hale, Branch Chief: (202) 879-0668
Main telephone number: (202) 879-1549
Program Fax: (202) 879-9458
More information on the Child Protection Mediation Program
Information Brochure:
Child Protection Mediation Brochure
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