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Assumptions that disputants are responsible for their conflicts are embedded in many of our practices for engaging conflict, when, in many instances, rational‐legal institutions we rely on to do our conflict business, not individuals, may be causing and sustaining our conflicts (Cloke 2001). Using a discursive framework that draws on Foucault (1980) and Bacchi's (2009) methodology of problematization, this article critiques a psychological assessment tool used and required in a custody and access evaluation in the context of family law to show how institutional structures and context matter when third parties work with conflict.

For indigenous peoples, recovering from colonial rule and aspiring to flourish, the revival of traditional decision making (TDM) is considered essential. However, transitioning from established colonial practices to TDMs is not well understood.In this paper we identify some of the challenges experienced by a First Nation urban community in the north east of British Columbia as they have tried to develop and implement a culturally-relevant child and family-centered traditional decision-making (TDM) process in the context of government-regulated child protection system. Specifically, we problematize a collaborative decision-making strategy—Family Group Conferencing (FGC). FGCs are premised on values of collaboration, participation, and empowerment, and because this strategy shares many of the values and aspirations of Traditional Decision-Making (TDM), there is a temptation to directly download and incorporate FGCs into the TDM model. In this paper we explore five challenges that warrant particular attention in developing TDM model in this contemporary context: 1) power, 2) cultural adaptability, 3) family support and prevention, 4) coordinator "neutrality", and 5) sustainable support. We conclude with eight recommendations to overcome these challenges while developing TDMs in a child protection context.

AbstractFramed by meta‐critical Foucauldian theories of knowledge, power, and discourse, but based on a close reading of excerpts from a single case study, we suggest that affidavits, as a technology in high‐conflict custody and access divorce cases, can contribute to or construct conflict they intend to resolve. Issues of agency are addressed by shifting attention away from thinking in terms of a conflict between individuals to concerns of a system or structure. This "place" for doing conflict is seen as a "conflict culture."

The authors argue that current formulations of the problem of resistance to visitation in separation and divorce are conceptually weak because they fail to take into account the adversarial influence of the legal paradigm. First‐ and second‐order change theory is used to clarify the problem, and a new formulation is proposed that shifts the focus from the parent and/or child exclusively to the resistance dynamic as a whole. General guidelines for intervention are proposed based on a holistic, participatory model that takes into account the tensions involved in working toward compliance while upholding the best interests of the child.

• Summary: The purpose of this article is to explore the tensions that emerge when two very different discourses – the 'democratic', participatory discourse of FGC and the legalistic, bureaucratized discourse of conventional child welfare practice – attempt to integrate. We present the findings of a qualitative study, where we conducted 74 interviews, involving 26 adult family members/caregivers (three youth); six child protection workers; and three FGC coordinators. By listening to the voices of participants, we explore the complexities and tensions that exist at the nexus of (at least) two competing discourses, when the FGC process takes place within the child protection bureaucratic structure. • Findings: Our findings show how participants' voices were co-opted by the more forceful child protection discourse, itself shaped by legal, bureaucratized, and neoliberal discourses. This research shows how in each case participants' experience of power was subjugated, even though, in each instance, the case was perceived to have had a successful outcome by the social worker and FGC coordinator. • Applications: If those involved in administering and delivering family group conferencing continue to at least be aware of how power operates in this context, then the possibility exists to realize FGC's broader social justice and transformative goals. Further, a reflective practice ( Schön, 1991 ) can mitigate the possibility of cooptation from particular bureaucratic, legal, and neoliberal discourses which dominate at different times, and which are incompatible with the inherent values and objectives of the FGC.

Addressing current environmental, social, health, and democratic challenges requires projects and evaluations to be conceptualized differently. This article proposes a pathway to creating rapid impact assessment tools that consider the dimensions that matter the most to ensure positive impacts for a thriving future. This work is based on three premises for evaluation practice, which needs to: contribute to a positive ecosystem, adopt a holistic perspective, and engage participants in deliberative and democratic practices. We first review related evaluation approaches—health impact and environmental impact assessments—to learn from these experiences and avoid their pitfalls. Second, we present and illustrate how the Planetary Health Rapid Impact Assessment tools can be developed and used. This article, is intended to inspire and support policymakers, program designers, decision-makers, administrators, and evaluators willing to positively influence planetary health and introduce such tools in their projects.

The current existential crises crystallize an urgent need for us all to contribute to meeting international environmental and social commitments. The message is clear: we need to take action. However, one of the challenges for decision-makers leading the transition is the dearth of practical tools and approaches available. Even in our field, evaluations are still based on practices which systematically overlook important determinants of human health, neglecting what matters most for our societies to thrive. This article aims to build on existing knowledge of program theories, theories of change, and theory-based evaluations to create a practical approach to designing interventions, while taking into account human and natural systems: what is referred to as evaluating for Planetary Health. A key purpose is to explore how we can conceptualize and elaborate interventions, taking into account their implications for Planetary Health, to suggest improvements or alternatives to existing programs, projects, or policies.

Indigenous Conflict Management Strategies: Global Perspectives presents a variety of traditional conflict management approaches as well as several cases of both successful and unsuccessful integrations of indigenous and Western strategies. As it explores these approaches, this books also analyzes the central characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of a multitude of indigenous systems from around the globe.