Since the first child protection mediation program was established in Los Angeles in 1983, hundreds of new programs have been created, and dozens of studies of them have been undertaken. In this review of the findings from the studies, the author presents the current state of knowledge about child protection mediation.

The studies show that mediation programs have difficulty getting referrals, but that when cases do end up in mediation, mediation is largely successful in leading to agreement. It also succeeds in getting parents more engaged in the parenting plan, in engaging the extended family, and in enhancing communication. There is some initial evidence that parental compliance with parenting plans is increased through mediation, but further research is needed to confirm this.