MEDIATION & COLLABORATIVE PRACTICES
Child Protection Social Work
Child Protection Social Work Services
1. Child Protection Mediation: Finding Common Ground
Child Protection Mediation is a structured ADR process typically utilized in conjunction with court proceedings. Through our specifically designed mediation framework, parties work collaboratively to reach agreements and consent-based court orders. With a success rate of approximately 75%, CP Mediation significantly benefits social workers and families by avoiding the expense, time commitment, emotional toll, and potential relationship damage associated with traditional court trials. While not always the case, legal counsel often participates in CP Mediations to provide support and guidance.
– Benefits of Child Protection Mediation:
– My message to Participating Parties:
2. Child Protection Social Work
– Types of collaborations I provide:
Family Group Conferencing (FGC) is a collaborative practice model originating with the Maori people of New Zealand. It has gained widespread recognition globally as an effective approach to child protection social work. In the FGC process, extended family members are actively empowered to play a proactive role in ensuring the safety and well-being of children. This collaborative approach recognizes the vital support network families possess and leverages those resources to create sustainable solutions.
Introduced in British Columbia by Kenneth Markley in 2005, the Family Case Planning Conference (FCPC) has become the most widely used format for supporting child protection social work in the province. The FCPC is a 90-minute session designed for early intervention and safety planning, bringing together family members, parents, and social workers to develop a pragmatic plan for ‘next steps.’ It’s often utilized to quickly establish an interim collaborative agreement while more intensive processes, such as FGC and Mediation, are being organized.
We respect and utilize traditional Circle processes, such as Healing Circles and Restorative Justice Circles, which are deeply rooted in the traditions of Indigenous communities across Canada and worldwide. These Circles have proven successful in addressing child protection matters, and are increasingly employed by Child Protection Agencies to develop collaborative solutions within Indigenous contexts. We approach these processes with cultural sensitivity and respect for the traditions of the communities we serve.
3. Child Protection Conflict Coaching: Building Skills & Effective Communication
Ken Markley is available to provide conflict coaching for both parents and child protection social workers. This individualized coaching experience facilitates effective problem-solving skills, enhances communication strategies, and prepares individuals for more constructive participation in child protection processes.