Diploma In Family Mediation

Course details

The Family Mediation Diploma offers a comprehensive curriculum on the theory, process and skills essential for family mediation practice. The Diploma programme will analyse the role of mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) within the context of family disputes. The programme will begin by exploring the mediation process and practical skill-set before tracing the development of family dispute resolution in Ireland and internationally.

The Diploma programme strikes a balance between the academic teachings and practical training of family mediation. The interaction-based course is designed to equip students with the theoretical underpinnings and legal framework of the discipline, while simultaneously developing the necessary skill set through the use of family mediation role-plays and exercises.

In light of recent high-profile developments in the field, such as the soon-to-be-enacted Mediation & Conciliation Bill 2010 and the establishment of court-annexed mediation schemes in Dublin district and civil courts, it is clear that mediation is finally being recognised as a first step in the resolution of family disputes. Hand in hand with these developments, will be the need for suitably qualified professionals in the field of family mediation in Ireland.

Aims

The Family Mediation Diploma is designed to provide students with the essential knowledge base and skill-set for effective family mediation practice. The programme is designed for lawyers, therapists and practitioners from related fields, as well as those simply holding an interest in the field of dispute resolution.

Course Outline

WEEK 1

• Introduction to Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Advantages of Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution

WEEK 2

• The Development of Family Mediation in Ireland
• Current Court Rules and Procedures in Mediation
• Overview of Family Law in Ireland
• The role of Lawyers and the Law in Family Mediation

WEEK 3

• Current Levels of Uptake in Family Mediation in Ireland

WEEK 4

• The Mediation Process
• Principles & Theories of Mediation
• The Agreement to Mediate
• Models of Family Mediation: Sole & Co-Mediation, Single & Joint Sessions

WEEK 5

• Mediation Skills I

WEEK 6

• Mediation Skills II
• Issues and Challenges in Family Mediation: Domestic Violence, Capacity, Ethics & Power Imbalances

WEEK 7

• porce and Separation Mediation

WEEK 8

• Children in Mediation
• International Family Conflict & Child Abduction

WEEK 9

• Elder Mediation
• Inter-sibling Disputes
• Collaborative Family Practice

WEEK 10

• Family Mediation Role-Play I

WEEK 11

• Family Mediation Role-Play II
• Drafting the Mediation Agreement

WEEK 12

• Family Dispute Resolution in Other Jurisdictions
• The Future of Family Dispute Resolution

The programme will be assessed by the completion of a written project Note on Assessments: Assignments must be submitted by the specified deadline. Late assignments will incur a penalty of 5% per day. Students who do not submit assignments before the end of the course may not be eligible for graduation and the award of the diploma.

Entry Requirements

• There are no specific entry requirements for this course.