Families & Children’s Bureau

California requires all parties unable to resolve their custody/visitation disputes to attend Child Custody Recommending Counseling (CCRC), which is also often referred to as mediation. CCRC is designed to help the parties reach agreements regarding custody and visitation issues. The child custody recommending counselor (CCRC) does not represent either party and remains impartial.

Alameda County’s CCRC sessions are a recommending process which occur on the day of the scheduled hearing. Parents meet with the CCRC the morning of the hearing, and the CCRC writes recommendations for the judge to review before he or she hears the case.

Often times, there will be a referral for further CCRC, including child interviews.  These additional sessions do not carry an additional fee.

NOTE: If there are domestic violence allegations, you may request separate CCRC sessions.

Parents meet with the CCRC, and afterwards, the CCRC writes recommendations for the judge to review before he or she hears the case. Generally speaking, the sessions last approximately 60 -90 minutes. Although the report may be available prior to the hearing, it is fairly common for parents to receive the report the morning of their hearing. Completing and returning the form below will increase the likelihood that a report is received prior to the hearing, but it is not a guarantee.

Contact Information
Hours: Monday – Friday, excluding Court Holidays, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Phone: (510) 690-2500
E-mail: families&[email protected]

Hayward Office:
County Administration Building
224 West Winton, Room 208
Hayward, CA 94544
Fax: (510) 783-4297

Alameda Office:
George E. McDonald Hall of Justice
2233 Shoreline Drive
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: (510) 267-6924
Fax: (510) 783-4297