Mediation

Mother holding her baby girl's hands as she walks toward her father
Father holding baby while he walks to his mother

Request for mediation

If you are unable to resolve your differences through the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process, you may request Mediation. Both parties must agree to Mediation and sign a Request for Mediation.

With the help of a Mediator, you and the individuals who work with your child have an opportunity to talk about both views of the problem. A Mediator is a neutral person who is experienced in helping people work out disagreements. In Mediation, a trained Mediator helps the parties reach a mutually satisfactory solution that is in the best interest of the family.

The scheduling of the Mediation session will be timely, within 21 calendar days of the receipt of a request signed by both parties. There is no charge for Mediation and any agreement reached must be in writing. Mediation is voluntary, optional for both parties, and is completely confidential.

Early intervention service provider working with a toddler girl and pointing to paper on a table

There are many advantages of undertaking mediation prior to a more formalized dispute process, including:

  • Resolution of disagreements in an informal setting
  • Clarification of underlying issues that caused the disagreement
  • Opportunity to express your ideas and point-of-view
  • Promotion of a positive working relationship between your family and Early Steps
  • Identification of “common ground” shared by your family and Early Steps
Newborn baby holding onto father's finger