This study examines the implementation and success of Child Protection Services mediation programs in five counties around Texas during 2002. Programs in the South Texas Cluster Court and the North East Texas Foster Care Docket, both of which cover multiple counties, were also included. Survey data was collected from judges, mediators, staff and mediation participants to determine the settlement rate and satisfaction of those involved in the program. Researchers collected approximately 2,390 surveys from mediators and participants, involving about 295 separate cases. According to the surveys, only 63% of mediated cases reached complete settlements, down from 71% in 2001 and 66% in 2000. There was also a four percent increase from 2001 in the number of cases that reached no resolution. As for satisfaction levels, 92% of participants reported that they were satisfied with the mediation process, which was similar to the 90% satisfaction rating from 2001.

The study also includes descriptions of the mediation processes and mediator qualification requirements used by each program, as well as the estimated cost savings from mediation in each county. The final recommendations of the study included continuing current mediation programs, finding ways to make CPS mediation training accessible to other areas of the state, educating judges and CPS officials on the benefits of mediation and expanding mediator education to include different styles of mediation.