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The government introduced legislation Tuesday focused on providing mediation services to families with at-risk children.

Social Development Minister Mary Schryer said the province will introduce family group conference and child-protection mediation services.

"These approaches put the direct and extended family at the centre of problem resolution and provide a valuable alternative to the family court system to settle disputes," she said.

The family group conference brings family members, as well as officials such as teachers, to develop a plan on how to help the child. For example, the family could be given access to family counselling or respite supports.

Mediation is aimed at preventing families from needing to go to court to reach child protection agreements.

A series of reports have criticized government for not offering enough supports to at-risk children.