Mediation for Kinship & Foster Care
Mediation can provide a process for people in conflict who are making important decisions about children. It is a process that can include parents, foster parents, kinship caregivers, grandparents, case workers, county workers, lawyers, community services, and the church. It is a collaborative and strengths-based way to bring relational, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual pieces together.
The Mediator
By definition a mediator must remain neutral and multi-partial. They do not advocate for any one party or person. A mediator does not represent a client, does not advocate for an agency, and does not have allegiance to other roles. They do not give advice and do not function as an expert in favor of one particular outcome. A mediator does not dictate a solution. Rather, they allow for outcomes and solutions to be cultivated from within. Mediators work to take the focus off the entrenched conflict and more toward building consensus, shared values, and common goals looking out for the interests of others. Mediators help interested parties pull in the same direction.
The Process
It is a process where multiple parties can be heard and more wholistic decisions can be made. Mediation is a voluntary and each party is provided space to contribute. In conflict, parties have mixed agendas, different positions, and various desired outcomes. Mediation can offer more timely outcomes. When there is deeply entrenched conflict, decisions tend to be made very slowly. When there is stalemate or impasse it can create further harm the longer issues remain unresolved. It can take a long time for broken systems to bring people together, if ever at all. Therefore, mediation provides a way to discuss and decide the needs of children, families, and parents using a wholistic and robust approach rather than a siloed approach from a singular line of sight, professional scope, or specialization. Mediation can be an efficient option and reduce delays in decision-making and save weeks and months of prolonged system fatigue, polarization and tension.
Exceptions
No doubt there are many pressures, tensions, stresses, and factors to address. There are many issues of safety, ethics, and procedures to consider. Mediation is not an appropriate option in every situation. There is nuance. There must be awareness of complexity. Child welfare matters are highly sensitive due to the nature of trauma, abuse, and neglect. There are ways mediators build in safeguards to address the needs and cares of children. Mediation can build in safety measures, communication mechanisms, and establish a path forward for the benefit of children and families.
