picture of presenters, date, title, Mediation in Child Protection: Creating Safe and Sustainable Solutions
Webinar event date: 
oct 15, 2025 1:00 pm EDT
Webinar series: 
Webinar Presenters: 
Dr. Michael Saini, Ontario

Ph.D., M.S.W., R.S.W. Professor and Factor-Inwentash Chair in Law and Social Work University of Toronto

Dr. Michael Saini is a Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, where he holds the endowed Chair in Law and Social Work and is cross-appointed to the Faculty of Law. He also serves as the Co-Director of the combined J.D./M.S.W. program. With over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of family law and social work, Dr. Saini brings a deep understanding of how social work values align with mediation practices. His research and teaching focus on trauma-informed approaches, child-inclusive dispute resolution, and evidence-informed policy development. He has authored more than 200 publications on parenting evaluations, family violence, and dispute resolution processes and regularly presents to international audiences on the evolving role of social workers in legal contexts. Dr. Saini is a board member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), Family Mediation Canada (FMC), and the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children (CCRC), and is committed to strengthening the profession's role in peaceful, collaborative family law solutions.

Margaret Stewart Sweet, Prince Edward Island

Margaret Stewart Sweet is a seasoned mediator based in Prince Edward Island, with over 25 years of experience in rural private practice. She specializes in child development, child protection and Indigenous community mediation. Margaret is a Lifetime Member of Family Mediation Canada (FMC), where she serves as a director and chairs the Child Protection Mediation Certification Committee. Her practice emphasizes preserving relationships and making mediation services affordable and accessible within communities. Her background is in special education, social work, financial assistance, and community development. Beyond her mediation work, Margaret has been actively involved in community development and social work within First Nations communities. She and her husband have four grown children, six grandchildren, and co-own and manage Sweet Farms Inc. in O'Leary, Prince Edward Island.

Description

This webinar is part 3 of a 4-part webinar series on Social Work and Mediation, presented in partnership with Family Mediation Canada.

This webinar examines the evolving role of mediation in child protection cases, where complex family dynamics, safety concerns, and legal mandates converge. Drawing on national and regional experiences, Dr. Michael Saini and Margaret Stewart Sweet will explore how mediation can offer a structured, yet flexible alternative to adversarial court processes. The presentation will address critical safety issues, including how to screen for family violence, manage power dynamics, and engage families in culturally responsive ways. Attendees will gain insight into how trauma-informed practices can support collaborative decision-making and how mediated agreements can contribute to long-term, sustainable outcomes for children, parents, and child protection agencies.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explain how mediation is currently used in child protection contexts across Canada.

2. Identify key safety considerations and trauma-informed practices when mediating child protection matters.

3. Discuss strategies for fostering sustainable agreements that prioritize child well-being and reduce conflict over time.