PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS The Grantee shall: Provide the services as required under this RFGP within 30 miles of the Local Child Support Office, in the jurisdiction servicing. Accept written referrals of customers with child support cases from the court system, the local and State child support agencies, other sources such as local departments of social services, community groups, and self-initiated referrals from non-custodial parents. Referrals may be made via mail, fax, and email. Provide Mediation Services (including Conflict Resolution services) as referred or ordered by the Court. A mediator who receives a referral or order from a court to conduct mediation shall screen for the occurrence of domestic or family violence between the parties. A mediator shall not engage in mediation when it appears to the mediator or when either party asserts that domestic or family violence has occurred unless: Mediation is requested by the victim of the alleged domestic or family violence; can elect to attend either in person or virtual. All security protections must be in place for in-person mediation for the safety of the victim. Mediation is provided in a specialized manner that protects the safety of the victim by a certified mediator who is trained in domestic and family violence; and The victim is permitted to have in attendance at mediation a support person of his or her choice, including but not limited to an attorney or advocate. Remote Mediation Efforts Ensure parties with parenting time disputes can participate in the mediation process remotely. Provide remote mediation at no additional cost to the participants. However, the participant will be responsible for the cost of owning and maintaining a computer or telephone equipment and connecting them to the internet or to phone service. All security protection must be in place for virtual mediation for the safety of the victim. Assist parties with internet and phone access limitations. Provide for the return to a regular in-person mediation process if the remote process does not work out for the participants. Ensure that non-English speaking and disabled parties will be able to participate in remote mediation. Ensure that parties will be able to communicate privately with their attorneys during the remote mediation. Ensure that the Mediation Confidentiality Agreement (EXHIBIT 3) is signed by the parties to ensure that only the parties who are a part of the mediation will be present during the virtual meeting. Conduct an assessment to assist in the development of the Parenting Plan that should, at a minimum, identify any history of domestic violence or child abuse or neglect that would impact the negotiation or implementation of an appropriate parenting plan. The assessment shall guide the Grantee’s determination of appropriate security mechanisms that will be implemented to protect the safety of all persons involved in each case...
