This paper focuses on the use of mediation within Ontario’s child protection system. Applying the process pluralism framework advocated by Carrie Menkel-Meadow, the systemic resistance to child protection mediation [CPM] in Ontario is explained. To address this resistance, a particular approach of structuring conflict resolution is evaluated through the lens of process pluralism. It is concluded that increasing the use of CPM at the dispositional stage of a child protection proceeding will improve results for children and their families.

This paper focuses on the use of mediation within Ontario’s child protection system. Applying the process pluralism framework advocated by Carrie Menkel-Meadow, the systemic resistance to child protection mediation [CPM] in Ontario is explained. To address this resistance, a particular approach of structuring conflict resolution is evaluated through the lens of process pluralism. It is concluded that increasing the use of CPM at the dispositional stage of a child protection proceeding will improve results for children and their families.

This thesis examines different components of ethical research: vulnerability, sensitive research topics, Indigenous participants, informed consent, protecting participant privacy, and minimizing harm. Each element is examined in general and in the context of a case study, with the analysis focusing on solutions for addressing each ethical component. This thesis then examines the current state of the literature on child protection mediation, concluding that there is a gap in the literature regarding the timing of child protection mediations. The literature review provides context for the case study that is presented in the thesis. The case study examines the timing of child protection mediation in British Columbia. It is presented to provide an example for future researchers of how ethical dilemmas can arise and be addressed. Each ethical element is discussed on how the issue came to the attention of the research team, what options were considered, and what was added to the research protocol to manage ethical concerns. / Graduate