Behind me is a room that is used to resolve many of the issues relating to problem children, their care, and possible custody issues. In this room, a form of alternative dispute resolution takes place that is known as mediation.  Mediation allows all of the interested parties, including state agencies, counseling services, attorneys, the parents and the children to attempt to resolve legal issues that relate to the care and custody of the child. Mediation is particularly important because it allows the parties to present their positions and negotiate settlements without the presence of the adversarial atmosphere that exists in the courtroom.  In addition, the children are spared the exposure to legal arguments that will usually occur in the courtroom.  Many of the families involved in these mediations provide their own legal representation, and this type of alternative dispute resolution reduces the need for formal court hearings and much of the participation by the judge, and also represents a substantial saving for the participants.  Court appointed attorneys are also participants in these mediations where appropriate.