(a) Generally. A preliminary protective conference must be held before the preliminary protective hearing. The conference facilitates the resolution of issues in a non-adversarial manner.

(b) Appointment of a Facilitator. The court must appoint a facilitator before the start of the preliminary protective conference. The facilitator may not be a party or the representative of a party to the proceeding. The facilitator must encourage all those attending the conference to participate, communicate, and identify areas on which the parties can agree.

(c) Attendance. Persons who are authorized by A.R.S. § 8-824(B) to attend a preliminary protective hearing may attend a preliminary protective conference. The court may impose reasonable restrictions on those in attendance if restrictions are required by the physical limitations of the facility, to maintain order and decorum, or to ensure the ability of the parties to fully participate in the conference.

(d) Procedure. The facilitator, parties, and participants must meet outside the presence of a judge to try to reach agreement on the custody and placement of the child, parenting time, visitation, and the services to be provided to the child and family. The parties will proceed to the preliminary protective hearing when the conference concludes.

(e) Use of Statements. Statements made by parties and participants during the conference are not protected and may be used in future proceedings.