Mediation is an informal, confidential, and non-adversarial process facilitated by a trained mediator. Mediation conferences are conducted prior to a trial or final hearing to allow parties to negotiate and resolve their case without the stress or additional expense of a trial or placing the resolution of the matter with the discretion of a judge. Mediation is gaining increased acceptance as a valuable tool for resolving a wide range of issues that arise in child protection cases filed with the family court. Mediation can be used to resolve petition allegations; facilitate early resolution of issues related to placement, visitation, and services; and make permanency decisions, including termination of parental rights. Issues regarding the effectiveness of mediation in protecting children and parents' rights as well as the identification of negotiable issues in child protection cases are being constructively addressed. Mediation has proven effective in bringing early resolution of court cases to allow the child and the family to begin early treatment and counseling programs while preserving the court's power to protect the child. Guidelines for family court mediation are outlined, and project updates are presented for each of four family court pilot sites in Ohio that are involved in developing and/or expanding the mediation services available to children and families. The bulletin concludes with a discussion of hiring mediators versus contracting for mediation services. 11 notes