Mediation in abuse, neglect, dependency

[abond@xxxxxxxxxxx]

It has come to my attention that a few counties here in Ohio are conducting 
pilot programs which mediate abuse, neglect, and dependency case.  It was my 
understanding from working in the field of domestic violence, that mediation 
was inappropriate where there was an imbalance of power among those subject to 
the mediation.  Does anyone have any studies, journals articles, etc., that 
discuss pros and cons, appropriateness vs. inappropriateness, etc.,  with 
mediation in abuse, neglect, and dependency cases?

Thanks, 

Alice Robinson-Bond
Assistant Ohio Attorney General

(Inquiring on behalf of your state APSAC chapter, OHPSAC, the Ohio 
Professional Society on the Abuse of Children)