Family Preservation Mediation Supports Families and Helps Children Remain Safely at Home
Our Approach
Specially trained family preservation mediators engage with family, youth, and people who love and care for the family, along with social workers from the Department of Children and Families. Together they work to develop a safety plan that allows the child to stay at home and prevents the trauma of a removal.
When the Department of Children and Families (DCF) identifies a family with a child(ren) at imminent risk of removal – they make a referral and one of our specially trained family preservation mediators will be assigned.
93% of Families
who completed mediation left with agreements that kept the child(ren) home
Family Preservation Mediation
empowers families and preserves relationships - our results to date have been strong!
“My child’s best interest was always the focus of the mediation.”
– mom client
How it Works
- Safety Planning Meeting
Specially trained family preservation mediator and the DCF social workers meet within 24 hours. - Family Outreach & Engagement
Family preservation mediator connects with the family, including the children whenever possible. - Build a Team
Together the family and mediator connect with extended family supports such as siblings, godparents, teachers, therapists and clergy. - Mediated Conversations
The family, their team, and the mediator take part in productive and healthy conversations resulting in a Mediated Safety Plan – within three to seven days.
“The team rallied around this family, went above and beyond to support this family, was incredibly creative in finding solutions collaboratively, and ultimately (literally and figuratively) moved this family into safety and stability. I wish this could happen for every family.”
– social worker on being asked about her mediation case
FY22 to FY25 (FPM Pilot)
96
Youth served through Permanency Mediation FPM
*served definition: assigned a mediator, screened in (eligible for permanency mediation work), and had a team meeting, only includes FPM
FPM=Family Preservation Mediation
Contact Us
For more information, reach out to our Permanency Mediation Team.
“My family is going to be able to build a stronger foundation for my children going forward.”
– parent on being asked about mediation services
