ADR-Link
ADR-Link Resources
Make A Referral
Get started with ADR-Link, learn who can make a referral, and learn about the steps of the referral process.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
Learn from our knowledge base of common questions and answers about Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and ADR-Link.
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See the active Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioners on the ADR-Link roster.
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Child Protection Professional
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What is ADR?
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a strategy to streamline court processes and encourage alternatives to court. It focuses on a more strengths-based, inclusive and collaborative approach to resolving child protection disputes, and encourages the involvement and support of the family, extended family, and the community in planning and decision-making for children.
What is ADR-Link?
ADR-Link connects families involved in child protection matters with Children’s Aid Societies to ADR-Link Practitioners in the South Region of Ontario.
How does ADR-Link help?
There must be a clear decision that a court intervention is being considered, is pending or is in progress to qualify for the MCCSS funding available through ADR-Link. When a child protection case does not meet this criteria, the Children’s Aid Society or the Indigenous community that the child is affiliated with makes a referral with the family’s consent to ADR-Link. ADR-Link then matches the referral with a qualified professional within the South West Region of Ontario. To fulfill the role of broker, ADR-Link maintains a roster of qualified ADR Professionals. These Practitioners are qualified through the George Hull Centre, Ontario Association of Family Mediation, or qualified as an Indigenous Approaches/ODR Practitioner.
Ministry Guidelines
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a strategy to streamline court processes and encourage alternatives to court. It focuses on a more strengths-based, inclusive and collaborative approach to resolving child protection disputes, and encourages the involvement and support of the family, extended family, and the community in planning and decision-making for children.
The Child and Family Services Act (CFSA), as amended by Bill 210 identified the following occasions where a prescribed method of ADR must be considered and/or may be used pursuant to the following provisions of the CFSA:
- If a child is or may be in need of protection, a children’s aid society must consider whether a prescribed method of ADR could assist in resolving any issue related to the child or a plan for the child’s care (section 20.2(1)).
- The court, at any time during a proceeding, and with the consent of the parties, may adjourn the proceeding to permit the parties to utilize a prescribed method of ADR to attempt to resolve the issues in dispute (section 51.1).
- On applications to vary or terminate an openness order before or after an adoption, the court may, with the consent of the parties, adjourn the proceeding to permit the parties to utilize a prescribed method of ADR to attempt to resolve any disputes related to the proceeding (sections 145.2(7) and 153.1(10)).
Read the Ministry of Children and Youth Services Policy Directive CW 005-06
ADR-Link is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)
There are five prescribed methods of ADR available through ADR-Link.
Indigenous Approaches/Original Dispute Resolution
Indigenous Approaches/Original Dispute Resolution (ODR) is a decision-making process for resolving disputes between a children’s aid society (CAS) and the family of child(ren) who are (or may be) in need of protection. Funding from the Ministry of Children Community and Social Services (MCCSS) supports the use of ADR if a court intervention is being considered, is pending, or is in progress.
Family Group Conferencing (FGC)
Family Group Conferencing (FGC) is a decision-making process for resolving disputes between a children’s aid society (CAS) and the family of a child who is (or may be) in need of protection. Funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) supports the use of ADR if a court intervention is being considered, is pending, or is in progress.
Child Protection Mediation (CPMed)
Child Protection Mediation (CPM) is a decision-making process for resolving disputes between a children’s aid society (CAS) and the family of a child who is (or may be) in need of protection. Funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) supports the use of ADR if a court intervention is being considered, is pending, or is in progress.
Ready, Set, Go
Ready, Set, Go supports youth to understand and plan for transition and long-term well being with the emphasis on preparing them for success throughout their teens starting at age 13 and up to 23 years of age. The importance of the youth’s input on the direction, access and level of support is one of the key drivers of the program
Other/4th Option
The 4th Option or “Other” is a unique method of ADR to be utilized in circumstances where one of the other prescribed methods (FGC, CPM or ODR) is not available or where another method is deemed more suitable. This is a decision-making process for resolving disputes between a children’s aid society (CAS) and the family of a child who is (or may be) in need of protection. Funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) supports the use of ADR if a court intervention is being considered, is pending, or is in progress.
ADR-Link Video Training Series
Our video training series gives Child Protection Professionals a deeper understanding of ADR-Link as a service for their clients, about the four methods of ADR, and the full process for making a referral.
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