The Co-Parenting Mediation Program
In an attempt to provide swift response to parents with parent-time (visitation) problems, the 1997 Utah State Legislature enacted the Expedited Parent-time Enforcement Pilot Program, more commonly known as the Co-Parenting Mediation Program. This program has been developed on the premise that children's best interests are served when their parents work cooperatively to meet their physical, mental, and emotional needs.
The Co-Parenting Mediation Program helps parents resolve parent-time (visitation) problems without formal court intervention and foster a healthy climate in which their children may be raised. To fulfill its purpose, the program uses mediation to resolve disputes, recruiting and maintaining a roster of experienced, private mediators who conduct the mediation sessions. The program also provides parent-time (visitation) services, including supervised parent-time and neutral pick up and drop off, co-parenting education classes, and the development of parenting plans.
To encourage compliance with the agreement reached in mediation, or with the order of the court, the Co-Parenting Mediation Program conducts regular follow-up with the parents for up to six months, including telephone calls, emails, letters, or in-person meetings.