Mediation Works

Child Protection Roster
British Columbia

Child Protection Mediation is an essential and respected part of the Child Welfare System in British Columbia. Its work helps promote collaboration and understanding between the Ministry for Children and Family Development and the families it serves.
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Child Protection Mediation Program

Mediation is certainly helpful when families are involved with child protective services, as all sides are heard before plans are made. This often leads to more successful plans because everyone has input.

Since its beginning, the Child Protection Mediation Program (CPMP) has assisted thousands of families across BC, as well as those who serve them, in finding ways to best ensure that the children involved with MCFD have every opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, and well, and with every opportunity for success. Registered Roster Mediators on British Columbia’s CPMP Roster mediate disputes relating to a child or plan of care for a child pursuant to section 22 of the Child, Family and Community Services Act.

Mediation is not to discuss whether there are protection concerns, as that decision is solely based on the social worker’s information and direction from their team leader. If parents want to disagree about the protection concerns, they will have to do that in the courtroom with the lawyers and judge.

I’m a Registered Social Worker and spent over 20 years practicing child protection. I have a solid understanding of the legislation that governs the Ministry of Child and Family Development as well as the Indigenous Child Welfare Agencies. I have attended and facilitated many meetings regarding children and their families and practices from a strength based perspective. Sure there are worries and concerns, if child welfare is involved, but there are also many good things parents are doing, and I will ensure that is also heard and discussed.

Get Mediation

Mediation Works

Child Protection Roster

Child Protection Mediation is an essential and respected part of the Child Welfare System in British Columbia. Its work helps promote collaboration and understanding between the Ministry for Children and Family Development and the families it serves. Since its beginning, the Child Protection Mediation Program (CPMP) has assisted thousands of families across BC, as well as those who serve them, in finding ways to best ensure that the children involved with MCFD have every opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, and well, and with every opportunity for success. Registered Roster Mediators on British Columbia’s CPMP Roster mediate disputes relating to a child or plan of care for a child pursuant to section 22 of the Child, Family and Community Services Act.
Shirley is a Registered Social Worker and spent over 20 years practising child protection. She has a solid understanding of the legislation that governs the Ministry of Child and Family Development as well as the Indigenous Child Welfare Agencies. Shirley has attended and facilitated many meetings regarding children and their families and practices from a strength based perspective. Sure there are worries and concerns, if child welfare is involved, but there are also many good things parents are doing, and Shirley will ensure that is also heard and discussed.
Mediation is certainly helpful when families are involved with child protective services, as all sides are heard before plans are made. This often leads to more successful plans because everyone has input.
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Kamloops Child Protection Roster

I joined the child protection roster in 2024, and no longer employed as a child protection social worker. I am now focusing on my private mediation practice and can offer my expertise in child welfare to all families involved with the protection system. I remain committed to ensuring children and youth are heard within the mediation and works hard to bring their voice into planning.

How Does Child Protection Mediation Work?

Child Protection Mediation is a service offered anytime parents or parties to the court proceedings disagree or need to discuss planning for their children. It is done in an environment outside of Court, so parents feel more comfortable discussing things. Parents can invite anyone they think will be helpful and lawyers and the Social Worker also attend. Once an agreement has been reached, the mediator types it up and it can be used in Court, if needed. Parents may ask for the agreements to be reviewed regularly by the mediator, or perhaps a mediator may no longer be needed, if things are going well.

Example: Children were removed from a parents’ care and placed in foster care due to substance use and domestic violence. Parents disagree and believe there are no protection concerns and this is a huge misunderstanding. The matter has gone to Court or will be within the next few days. Mediation would NOT be appropriate in this case, as the parents disagree with the removal and the reasons for it. Only a judge can make the final decision. If the parents understood the reasons why the children were removed and they wanted to create a plan to get them back into the home…mediation WOULD be appropriate and a referral would be done by the social worker and/or parents’ lawyer.

Work With A Child Protection Mediator In British Columbia

Child Protection Mediation can be much easier when working with a fully trained and qualified mediator. Settle your family dispute in a fair and peaceful manner.

Contact Shirley For Mediation

What Is The Helpline For Children In BC?

1-800-668-6868

The Helpline for Children is a service that allows children to call when they are in conflict with their parents and/or foster parents. It is staffed 24/7 and will assign a social worker to become involved, if appropriate.

The Kids Help Phone-Live Chat

Kids and teens get the opportunity to chat online, 1-on-1 with a professional counselor. Available Wednesday to Sunday 3PM to 11PM PST.

A child in the next room overhearing his parents argument.
Kids Help Phone B.C

Related Child Mediation Experience

  • Given my extensive experience in child welfare, I can offer parents lots of knowledge about the child protection system. I am not allowed to give advice or make decisions in my role as a mediator, but rather, I will ensure all parties are heard, including the children. I will also use solution focused questioning to ask the social workers and the lawyers what exactly the concerns are, so all parties are informed and understand.