Rule 26 - Mediation of Parental Rights(a) Referral. Parental rights mediation to consider legal guardianship or open adoption of a child shall be available upon referral by a judicial officer.(b) Notice. The court shall set the date for an initial mediation and give notice to the parties. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families shall give notice to the foster parent.(c) Appearance. Unless otherwise excused, the parties, including the foster parent, must appear at the scheduled mediation.(d) Role of the Mediator. he mediator shall assist the parties, in a cooperative setting, to reach a fully informed and mutually acceptable resolution to the matter referred. The mediator shall help the parties evaluate whether a proposed agreement is workable, including any provision that depends on the action or behavior of a person who is not a party to the case. The mediator may review and consider any information relevant to the case as presented by the parties. The mediator shall report to the court whether or not the mediation results in a resolution.Adopted March 1, 2019, effective 7/1/2019; amended April 30, 2019, effective 11/4/2019; amended November 5, 2019, effective 1/6/2020.