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    • OUR IMPACT
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  • Opportunities

About Us

Who We Are

Southern California Family Mediation provides free court-connected mediation services for co-parenting families navigating the Los Angeles dependency courts, with the goal of delivering concrete solutions that reduce conflict, and support safer outcomes for children.

Our Story

Southern California Family Mediation began serving in 2014 at the Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Courthouse in Monterey Park, California.  In 2018, we became a California corporation, and in 2019 we achieved our federal 501(c)3 nonprofit status. 


On March 13, 2020, when all courts shutdown, we were the only court-connected service available for families to answer questions and alleviate their fears and concerns.  


“The mediators reached out…letting me know that we weren't forgotten.” - Parent 

“This was put together nicely in such a short time span.” - Parent

“This is great news.” - Children's Law Center of California

“We will do everything we can to assist you as you keep things going.  Randy, I speak for all of LADL in expressing our appreciation for you and your efforts and the attitude of your team at this time!  THANK YOU!” - Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers Inc.

“Thank you very much!  And please let me know if you need anything specific from County Counsel.” - Office of the County Counsel, County of Los Angeles


Today, SCFM is supported by a dedicated team of approximately 30 volunteer co-mediators and 5–10 Admin Leadership Tiger Team volunteers.  Together, we serve families across 35 dependency courtrooms throughout Los Angeles County, focusing on child safety, stability, and family reunification.

Our Mission

Our primary mission is to mediate clear, written, child-centered Mediated Agreements that reduce conflict and promote long-term stability for children, for families at the Los Angeles County Superior Dependency Courts.  


We offer low-cost mediation education products, support the 

next generation of peacemakers through education partnerships, and offer 

free public conflict communication education.

Schedule Consultation

Our approach

We use a transformative, child-centered co-mediation model that prioritizes communication, civility, clarity, and collaboration.  Our mediators do not make decisions for families - instead, we help co-parents and caregivers work together to reach agreements that reflect their realities and their children’s needs.

why this work matters

  • Mediation gives parents their voice in the process back, and the freedom of self-determination.
  • Clear agreements act as road maps to help families avoid generational recidivism.
  • Mediation promotes safety, stability & consistency for children.
  • Families gain the tools to communicate and co-parent more effectively. 

Your investment in Peace helps us serve families to save children.

Pay with PayPal or a debit/credit card

As Seen on KTLA

Celebrating Dr. Pat Williams - 

We are proud to share that our very own Dr. Pat Williams was recognized as a finalist in KTLA’s Remarkable Women series.  This feature highlights her lifelong dedication to Southern California families and her mission to help children return home safer and sooner.  Watch the story of the heart and leadership behind SCFM.


Connect With Us

Our Peace Partners

USC Law School Mediation Clinic

SCFM's Eight-year partnership with the USC Law School Mediation Clinic

SCFM's Eight-year partnership with the USC Law School Mediation Clinic

SCFM's Eight-year partnership with the USC Law School Mediation Clinic

Inspiration via Mediation

Family Law Mediation Clinic students learn by doing during pandemic 


 When 3L Jonathan D. Prucher signed up for the Family Law Mediation Clinic, he expected the work would be helping people fill out forms, but...


USC Student Article about SCFM

Professor, Commissioner Mordetzky

SCFM's Eight-year partnership with the USC Law School Mediation Clinic

SCFM's Eight-year partnership with the USC Law School Mediation Clinic

USC Family and Dependency Court Mediation class is taught by Commissioner and Professor Mordetzky. 

Student Co-Mediators

SCFM's Eight-year partnership with the USC Law School Mediation Clinic

Student Co-Mediators

2L & 3L law school students take (a prerequisite and) a Family and Dependency Court Mediation class in the Spring.  These students get the opportunity to co-mediate with SCFM co-mediators.

First-Of-Its-Kind (article)

Contact us for Zelle® information, available (with no fees subtracted).


Please, mail your Peace-Investment Donation check to:

"SoCal Family Mediation"

PO Box 7576 Burbank, CA 91510


GoFundMe:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/break-the-cycle-reuniting-families-through-mediation


Southern California Family Mediation is a 501(c)3


Administrative Support

Tiger Team Supervisor, Nellie "Naomi" Tillman  

818-575-6900 (no text)   |   Nelliet@DependencyMediation.org


Education & Join-us

Info@DependencyMediation.org


Program Questions & Mediation Support

Mediator L Randy Drew

818-257-0007   |   Drew@DependencyMediation.org

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