MEDIATING CHILD PROTECTION CASES

The law relating to the protection of children has become increasingly complex. The length of time required for litigated cases to make their way through the system to a final order is, in most cases, far too long to meet the needs of any of the participants, but particularly the children. This article discusses the difficulties inherent in the legal system for resolving child protection disputes. A model for the mediation of these cases is described, including a brief review of case outcomes and a rough cost-benefit analysis.