This report evaluates the Permanency Planning Mediation Pilot Program in Michigan by asking (and answering) eight questions related to process length, participant perceptions of the process, compliance, outcomes, relationships perception of referral sources and cost. The evaluation is based on 207 cases from seven program sites throughout the state from 1999 to 2001. Agreements were reached in 82 percent of cases in 2001, 83 percent of cases in 2000 and 76 percent of cases in 1999. The report found that mediation results in quicker permanency placements (17 months compared to 29.5 months for cases resolved without mediation), participants have an overall positive view of the process, and mediation in permanency cases is cost-effective, among other findings. The report states that "mediation services for child welfare cases seems warranted" (p.9).
Description of Study: Examines the first three years of a program in seven pilot sites spanning four counties in Michigan.
Method: Collected data from program reports, reviews of program files for cases mediated to agreement, court dockets, satisfaction surveys and mediator evaluations.
Comparative: No
Sample Size: 138 cases mediated
Variables Examined: Time from petition to permanency and from referral to permanency, compliance, fairness of result
Program Variables: Pilots established in 1999. Study conducted over the first three years. Pilots were administered by community dispute resolution program centers. Referral to mediation occurred at a variety of points in the case. Mediators were volunteers with extensive training and supervision. Cases were co-mediated. Referrals were by judges (58%), caseworkers, attorneys, family members. The dispute resolution program centers followed up on compliance 60-90 days post mediation.
Findings: For all referred cases, time from petition to permanency averaged 17 months. Time from referral to permanency averaged 13 months. Cases that resulted in reunification were closed more promptly, at an average of 11 months, as compared to cases that resulted in adoption, which closed on average 15 months after petition. There was full compliance with the agreement in 73.4% of mediated cases within 60-90 days; 20.2% of cases had partial compliance. More mothers than fathers thought the result was fair – 77.3% of mothers as compared to 64.4% of fathers. Of professionals, 82.8% of LGALs, 85.7% of prosecuting attorneys, 78.9% of mothers’ attorneys, and 71.4% of fathers’ attorneys believed the outcome was fair. 82.6% of caseworkers felt the same, while only 67% of foster parents did so.