This is part of the lawsuit process. Sometimes, shortly before trial, the lawyers will have an “off-the-record” discussion with a judge to explore settlement possibilities, and get a judge's viewpoint on the merits of the case. Normally clients do not attend at this meeting.
An informal hearing which is scheduled as soon as possible after an emergency detention hearing. All the parties involved in the court action discuss the case in an effort to agree on issues of adjudication (whether the case is dependency, neglect, or abuse) and the disposition (custody, case plan contents, visitation, criminal prosecution, etc.). In some instances the case is settled at this point and court involvement may end.