Elder Guardianship Mediation: Threat or Benefit to Abuse Victims?

In 2007 the legislature in British Columbia, Canada passed legislation making mediation mandatory in contested guardianship applications in court. Older adults often are the defendants in these matters, and, therefore will be required to participate in mediation under this statute. Some adults required to participate may also be victims of abuse. However, very little research exists on mediation in situations of elder abuse. This article fills that gap. In this article the author examines existing research on elder mediation and abuse, draws parallels to research on mediation in other abuse situations, gives examples from existing programs, and analyzes the impact of the new legislation on older adults. Additionally, the author makes recommendations for further research and next steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]