ODHS Adoption and Guardianship Mediation Program The Mediation Process

This manual outlines the structure and step‑by‑step practice guidance for Oregon’s Adoption and Guardianship Mediation Program, describing how mediation is used to support cooperative planning between birth parents, adoptive parents, and guardians. It covers the purpose and history of the program, roles and responsibilities in mediation, referral and intake procedures, confidentiality considerations, and core mediation activities, with specific guidance for mediations when guardianship is the permanency plan. The resource supports consistent, child‑centered mediation practice that promotes communication, stability, and lasting permanency outcomes.