How does a case get referred to Child Welfare Mediation?
The Court is the “gatekeeper” for referrals to mediation. Any party, attorney, caseworker, professional, or individual involved in a case can, at any time in the history of the case, request the court to refer the matter to mediation. The court retains the authority to grant or deny the request, or may itself initiate the referral to mediation. A formal order to mediate from the judge is required before the mediation can take place. Mediation generally is ordered in court during a hearing. However, a written Motion and Order for Mediation may be submitted by any attorney or pro se individual involved in a case at any stage of the proceeding.
