What is confidentiality and what Conciliation Court services are not confidential?

Confidentiality is a promise that the mediator will not discuss what was said in mediation and will not report conversations or recommendations to the judge. It also means the mediator may not be called as a witness to repeat what was said in mediation. However, confidentiality does not apply to admissions or allegations of child abuse, neglect of the child, domestic violence incidents viewed or heard by a child, threats or allegations of physical harm to one’s self or another person, or admissions or allegations of substance or alcohol abuse when it endangers the well-being of a child. Evaluative services such as Same Day Resolution, Accelerated Assessment, Family Assessment, Child Interview and Parent Coordination are not confidential; anything a party or child says may be reported to the Court and recommendations may be made.

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1. What is Conciliation Court?
2. On the Court Petition/Response, it says “We have tried to resolve our problems through Conciliation Services or going to Conciliation Services would not work.” What does that mean?
3. I’ve been a parent for many years. Why do I have to take a Parent Education class?
4. Why do we have to go to mediation? What is mediation?
5. What is confidentiality and what Conciliation Court services are not confidential?
6. What is informed consent?
7. What does the court, the Judge or Conciliation Court mean by “the best interest of the child”?
8. What is the role of attorneys in mediation or evaluative services (Same Day Resolution, Family Assessment or Expedited Services)?
9. Am I eligible for the Decree Assistance Project?