About Us
Southern California Family Mediation, 40-volunteers provide free mediations for co-parenting families navigating the L.A. dependency courts, delivering concrete solutions that reduce conflict, and support safer outcomes for children.
Our Story
We began serving in 2014 at the Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Courthouse in Monterey Park, California, when Presiding Judge Levanas envisioned the creation of a volunteer-based mediation program.
In 2018, Southern California Family Mediation (SCFM) became a California corporation, and in 2019 we achieved our federal 501(c)3 nonprofit status.
- How we handle crisis -
Friday 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.
- 2020 -
- “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 40 volunteers. Together, we serve families across 35 dependency courtrooms throughout Los Angeles County, focusing on child safety, stability, and family reunification.
Your investment in Peace helps us serve families to save children.
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
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.