ADR in Child Welfare
Extend the olive branch
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ?
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a series of processes designed to help families and child welfare agencies resolve conflicts and develop plans for the well-being of children without going to court. While many believe ADR is only used to avoid court, it is actually beneficial at any stage of the child welfare journey.
Early referrals to ADR have significant benefits. When referrals come in late, trust between families and the child welfare agency may already be eroded, conflicts become more entrenched, and the issues are often more complex. Engaging in ADR early supports better communication, stronger family engagement, and more effective planning.
Onboarding New Staff
Tools, videos, an guidance for new workers learning how to engage with ADR.
Four ADR Streams
Child Protection Mediation (CPM)
A facilitated process where families and child welfare workers come together with a neutral mediator to resolve conflicts and reach agreements on child safety and care planning.
Youth Planning or RSG
Focused on youth transitioning out of care or needing additional planning support, this process empowers youth to actively participate in their planning alongside family members and community support.
Indigenous Approaches (ODR)
Grounded in cultural traditions, these processes prioritize community involvement and culturally sensitive practices to support family unity and healing.
Family Group Conferencing (FGC)
A family-led process that brings together the family, support networks, and child welfare agencies to create a plan for the safety and well-being of the child. Families are given private time to develop their plan independently before sharing it with the agency
Child Protection Mediation (CPM)
A facilitated process where families and child welfare workers come together with a neutral mediator to resolve conflicts and reach agreements on child safety and care planning.
Youth Planning or RSG
Focused on youth transitioning out of care or needing additional planning support, this process empowers youth to actively participate in their planning alongside family members and community support.
Indigenous Approaches (ODR)
Grounded in cultural traditions, these processes prioritize community involvement and culturally sensitive practices to support family unity and healing.
Family Group Conferencing (FGC)
A family-led process that brings together the family, support networks, and child welfare agencies to create a plan for the safety and well-being of the child. Families are given private time to develop their plan independently before sharing it with the agency
What is Family Group Conferencing (FGC) ?
Family Group Conferencing (FGC) is a family-led decision-making process that empowers families to create safety and care plans for their children with the support of child welfare agencies.
Originating from a New Zealand model, FGC acknowledges that children and their parents are part of a broader family group that nurtures and is responsible for them. This process recognizes the importance of family participation in decisions that impact the safety, well-being, and stability of their children.
Oh No, Something Went Wrong! How to Make a Complaint in ADR
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Governance and Oversight Disclaimer
The ADR resource hub is an education and practice support platform developed by Relative Solutions to assist child welfare professionals in understanding, accessing and promoting ADR processes – with a focus on FGC, youth planning. This resource is intended to support- but not replace – the formal practice standards, training or oversight provided by the Ontario Provinicial Resource housed at the George Hull Center for children and families. If you you have a concern regarding the conduct, neutrality, or performance of a Family Group Conferencing Coordinator, please contact the OPR
levans@georgehull.on.ca
416-622-8833
www.georgehullcentre.ca
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