Child Protective Services [CPS] Mediations

Child Protective Services (CPS) mediations present unique challenges that require mediators to balance ethical obligations while addressing the needs of children, parents, caregivers, attorneys, and child welfare professionals. Participants will explore the distinctive nature of CPS cases, examine ethical issues such as confidentiality, impartiality, self-determination, informed consent, competency, and power imbalances, and discuss practical strategies for conducting fair, effective, and child-centered mediations.

The session will be presented by Chris Turner, a TMCA Credentialed Distinguished Mediator with more than 20 years of experience in family law mediation and a multidisciplinary background in social work, child advocacy, and law, offering participants practical insights drawn from decades of serving children and families. Through real-world examples and discussion of best practices, attendees will gain valuable tools for recognizing and responding to the ethical and practical complexities of mediating child welfare disputes.

1 hour of mediator continuing education,

including 0.75 hour of ethics for attendees

1 hour of MCLE, including 0.75 hour

of ethics by the State Bar of Texas 

Registration is free for AMA Members/$15 for non-members. Attorneys who wish to receive Texas MCLE credit are asked to pay a $5 fee to offset the cost of MCLE sponsorship.

Become a member of AMA today for as little as $35!