Cook County Family Mediation Services is a court-ordered mediation program operated by the Circuit Court of Cook County, specializing in resolving family disputes related to parenting and child welfare. It provides a safe, confidential, and free forum for parents navigating separation or divorce, focusing exclusively on the needs of children and promoting cooperative co-parenting solutions without litigation.
The program employs a child-focused mediation model, using neutral, non-advocate mediators to facilitate discussions between parents. Services are available only by court order from the Domestic Relations Division, ensuring that all participants are appropriately screened for safety and suitability. Mediators are trained in techniques such as caucusing and shuttle mediation to protect participant well-being, and they adhere to strict confidentiality and mandatory reporting standards under Illinois law.
Services Offered
- Court-ordered family mediation
- Allocation of parental responsibilities mediation
- Modification of allocation of parental responsibilities
- Parenting time schedule creation (including weekly, weekend, holiday, and vacation schedules)
- Modification of parenting time schedules
- Child relocation mediation
- Child interviews (ages 5-17) to assess adjustment and needs
- Shuttle mediation (no direct parent communication)
- Telephone and videoconference mediation options
- Referrals to counseling, school conferences, or child support groups
- Legal resource information for self-represented litigants
- Mandatory abuse and neglect reporting
- Safety screenings and separate waiting areas
Services are provided in English, Spanish, and Polish, with interpreters available for other languages including sign language. The program operates across all judicial districts of Cook County during regular court hours, with childcare available at designated locations. All mediators are mandated reporters and adhere to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
