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Family Mediation Certificate Courses
Learn how to effectively mediate family disputes, separations, child custody issues, and divorces. Develop practical skills in conflict resolution, facilitation, and managing complex family dynamics.
Accredited by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM), ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC), and ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO). Meets requirements for Family Mediation Canada (FMC).
Family Mediation Certificate Overview
Given the high rates of separation and divorce in Canada, the practice of family mediation has become an integral resource to settle family disputes – without costly legal fees.
The Family Mediation certificate equips students with the necessary theory and skills to mediate a wide range of family disputes. The online format makes it easy to attend lectures and complete assignments around your schedule.
In this training, you will learn:
- The elements and stages of the family mediation process
- The fundamentals of family law related to mediation
- How to screen parties for abuse, power imbalances, or violence, and ensure they are appropriate candidates for mediation
- Practical techniques for managing emotions and facilitating discussion
- The physical, cognitive, social, and emotional impact of separation and divorce on children and parents
- How to reinforce positive reciprocal relationships through the practice of mediation
- Ethical principles and codes of conduct for family mediators
- How to draft a Memorandum of Understanding and a Separation Agreement
Role–Play and Family Mediation Simulations
The Family Mediation certificate includes over 18 hours of mandatory role play in accordance with OAFM requirements. All students will participate in:
- Simulations of family mediations, conducted via video conference with the instructor and fellow classmates
- Role plays on how to screen candidates for family mediation
Become an Accredited Family Mediator (AccFM)
- The certificate is accredited by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM)
- Training meets the five approved courses required for the Accredited Family Mediator designation (AccFM)
Please note there are additional requirements to become an Accredited Family Mediator – click for a complete list.
Achieve your Cert.FRM Certification
- The certificate fulfills 64.5 of the required hours needed to pursue a Cert.FRM designation through Family Mediation Canada (FMC).
Please note there are additional requirements to achieve your Cert.FRM designation – click for a complete list
Specialized Mediation Training
The Advanced Family Mediation class is accredited by the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) and the ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO) and fulfills 21 hours of the specialized mediation and related training education requirement for the Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) designation (40 total are required).
Please note there are additional requirements to become a Qualified Mediator – click for a complete list.
Family Mediation Career Paths
Family mediation can be used to settle a wide variety of disputes. Areas of practice and specialization include:
- Divorce
- Separation
- Division of property
- Child custody
- Parenting and decision making
- Support payments
- Elder mediation
Accredited family mediators can work independently or join a mediation practice.
Course Schedule and Format
Instructor-Led Format
(Synchronous Components)
Instructor-led courses follow a set class schedule with a dedicated instructor and classmates. Students have weekly deadlines but can work on assignments and readings when it works best for their schedule. The instructor posts in the discussion forum and hosts live online lectures and role plays via video call each week. Students can use those opportunities to discuss assignments, industry topics, etc. with their instructor and peers.
Note: This instructor-led course requires mandatory participation in weekly role-play and mock mediation scenarios.
Live Session Schedule
Live sessions take place via video conference call every Tuesday and Wednesday. Please note that these times and days are subject to change with notice. In the event a student misses a mandatory session, alternative arrangements may be made available. Contact admissions for the upcoming schedule based on your desired start date.
**Classes will not take place from December 16 – 29, 2024 for Christmas Break. Live sessions on December 31 and January 1 will be rescheduled to January 2 and 3, 2025.**
Foundations of Family Mediation
4 weeks
6:30 – 9:00 PM EDT, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (mandatory)
Advanced Family Mediation
2 weeks
Tuesdays 6:30 – 9:00 PM EDT, Wednesdays 6:30 – 9:30 PM EDT (mandatory)
Family Law
2 weeks
6:30 – 8:30 PM EDT, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays (mandatory)
Family Relations
2 weeks
6:30 – 9:00 PM EDT, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (mandatory)
Screening for Family Violence, Abuse & Power Balances
2 weeks
6:30 – 9:00 PM EDT, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (mandatory)
(4 weeks, 40 hours)
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), which spans facilitation, negotiation, mediation, arbitration, adjudication, and litigation. Participants in this course will explore the history and goals of mediation and the elements of the mediation process. This course examines the role of a mediator and delivers an overview of the skills necessary to successfully mediate.
This course introduces you to the concepts, skills, and techniques needed to mediate disputes: determining whether mediation is appropriate, guiding the process, managing emotions, and using communication skills.
Mediation is a practical method for helping people resolve their conflicts and attain mutually satisfactory outcomes. You will mediate simulated disputes involving parents, children, extended families, in-laws, neighbours, and step-parents. Emphasis is on skill development through simulated mediations assisted by OAFM-accredited family mediators.
This course is accredited for 16 hours of training required by Family Mediation Canada (FMC) for the Cert.FRM designation.
(21 hours, 2 weeks)
Participants will be introduced to advanced issues encountered throughout a family mediation. They will begin to apply mediation theory and skills to the mediation process through role playing, discussions, and reflective journaling.
Participants will be exposed to the ethical principles and codes of conduct and ethics related to the field of mediation. They will learn the components of drafting a memorandum of understanding and a separation agreement.
Advanced Family Mediation goes into detail about how problem-solving strategies can be supported to facilitate communication and to make decisions relevant to resolving a family dispute.
This course includes 10.5 hours of live/synchronous sessions with the instructor.
This course is accredited for 10.5 hours of training required by Family Mediation Canada (FMC) for the Cert.FRM designation.
(21 hours, 2 weeks)
The genesis for family law in Ontario is England. To understand family law in the province of Ontario, it is necessary to understand the legal system’s evolution within English-speaking nations. This course will discuss and provide a detailed overview of family law in the province of Ontario. Marriage & divorce will be discussed with specific reference to the Marriage Act, the Constitution Act 1867, the Ontario Children’s Law Reform Act R.S.O 1990, the Child, Youth and Family Services Act 2017, and the Family Law Act R.S.O 1990.
This course is accredited for 15 hours of training required by Family Mediation Canada (FMC) for the Cert.FRM designation.
(21 hours, 2 weeks)
Understanding the structure and dynamics of a family is important to the practice of family mediation. This course will discuss family systems theory and highlight the impact separation and divorce can have on the family unit–specifically, the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional implications on children and the parents. Students should gain insight into the renegotiated family unit and learn about the impact this life change can have on all relationships involved. Students will learn how to reinforce positive reciprocal relationships through the practice of mediation.
This course is accredited for nine hours of training required by Family Mediation Canada (FMC) for the Cert.FRM designation.
(21 hours, 2 weeks)
Mediation requires that all parties are screened to be sure they are appropriate candidates for mediation. Parties must be able to negotiate safely, voluntarily, and competently, free of danger & harm from the other. All parties must enter voluntarily. The screening process is vital for the safety of the parties and the mediator. This will be discussed in exhaustive detail. This course includes 8.4 hours of live/synchronous sessions with the instructor.
This course is accredited for 14 hours of training required by Family Mediation Canada (FMC) for the Cert.FRM designation.
Instructors
Meet our industry-expert instructors.
Click here to read an interview on our blog with Mary Joseph
B.A., M.Div., D. Jur., C. Med., AccFm., AccIM
Barrister and Solicitor (retired)
She is a certified family mediator and a certified intergenerational mediator with the Ontario Association of Family Mediators and a Chartered Mediator with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada and Ontario.
Mary practised immigration law from 1986 until 2004, with an emphasis on refugee law and skilled and domestic workers. She was also Vice Chair of the Canadian Bar Association – Ontario in Immigration as well as the founder and editor of their immigration newsletter. She was one of the original pioneers of same-sex immigration for Canada. From 2002 until her retirement in 2018, Mary practised collaborative family law exclusively. She was also ordained by the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches in 1999 and was a part-time pastor and mission strategist for the United Church of Canada until her retirement at the end of 2018.
She has been a guest lecturer at numerous educational institutions and societies, including the Canadian Bar Association, Osgoode Hall Law School, and the University of Toronto as well as the Learned Society and Mensa International.
Prior to being called to the bar, Mary tried out a variety of professions, including police officer, immigration border examining officer, industrial firefighter and private investigator as well as several other service sector professions before committing to a lifelong practice of law. She is also a former board member of the Elizabeth Fry Society.
Mary holds a college diploma from Niagara College, Bachelor of Arts from Brock University, a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School and Masters of Divinity from Victoria University at University of Toronto.
Her published work includes: 2005: Seeking the Sacred; Leading a Spiritual Life in a Secular World ECW Press; Toronto 2006 (prolegomenon) (founder and ED of Seekers Dialogue), 1990 – 1993 Immigration and Citizenship Update, Canadian Bar Association – Ontario Immigration Newsletter Founder / Editor, 1985 Illegal Immigrants: Know Your Rights, Pamphlet for the Illegal Immigrant Support Group Toronto, Ontario, 1983 Immigration Handbook, Department of Justice Joint Author (Unpublished)
Click to read our blog interview with Hayley
Hayley is an accredited mediator with the Ontario Association for Family Mediation. She has a master’s degree from the University of Toronto in the Counselling Psychology program. She specializes in post-modernist theories, such as brief therapy, narrative strategies, and control mastery theories, as well as cognitive theory and CBT. Her undergraduate work trained her as a Child and Youth Worker, specializing in child development and behaviour in various milieus. She has co-created over 50 parenting plans with a range of needs, issues, and stages of child development as well as adult changes in executive and cognitive functioning.
Working in the children’s mental health field as an advocate and youth worker as well as with the Children’s Aid Society as a parent support worker, Hayley wished to take her skills in family relations, child development, and parenting strategies in a different direction. She chose to work with separating families. Hayley’s vision was a “one-stop shop” for families to work with a team of integrated and specialized professionals. Hayley trained and worked as a neutral with Collaborative Practise Toronto. With Marion Korn (lawyer, mediator, and collaborative trainer) and Eva Sachs (financial specialist) they set up Mutual Solutions; a hybrid practice catering to divorcing couples.
Hayley has been teaching post-secondary diploma and degree courses for 25 years. She has found the mix of learning and practising very potent for professional and personal growth as well as supporting clients. And she hopes to learn from you!
Since returning to the mediation field, she has immersed herself in working with high-conflict families and believes supporting families in crisis is essential and dynamic work.
With a degree in Psychology, a Bachelor of Education from York University and Arbitration and Mediation Certifications with a focus on Family Law from Kompass, Cheryl has over 17 years of experience working with children and families. She is a member in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers, the Ontario Association of Family Mediation, the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and a Qualified Arbitrator and an Associate Family Mediator with a Q. Arb Standing with both the governing bodies of ADRIC and ADRIO.
Cheryl is a driven Mediator/Arbitrator professional with a strong background in providing conflict resolution. She is resourceful in gathering relevant information regarding disputes, providing appropriate documentation and guiding both individuals and groups to reach satisfactory agreements and settle complicated issues. Cheryl is devoted to adhering to ethical guidelines and laws throughout all casework. She is an empathetic and self-directed therapist with excellent active listening and verbal communication skills, and she facilitates family, couples and individual counseling sessions to help clients pinpoint underlying emotions triggering instability and conflict. Cheryl is excellent in maintaining records and makes excellent written and oral reports concerning client care, counseling and therapeutic activities. Cheryl is a dedicated therapy professional and exceptionally well-versed in performing comprehensive assessments to identify client strengths, needs and overall functioning at micro and macro levels. She is experienced in developing and managing client treatment plans and is committed to establishing goals and objectives to help clients build healthy and positive personal relationships.
Parenting Coordinator | Facilitator | Mediator | Arbitrator
Click to read our blog interview with Kat
Kat has been working with people in conflict for 17 years. She has a diverse practice providing parenting coordination, mediation, arbitration, med-arb, circles, restorative justice, assessment, coaching and facilitation; always with an emphasis on relationship building and working across differences. Her main area of focus is working with families and groups with complex circumstances such as high conflict, trauma or mental health challenges, addiction, involvement with the legal system or intercultural issues. She also provides the full range of her services by distance. She designs and provides training on mediation and conflict resolution skills, trauma informed practice, sexualized violence prevention, and family violence screening.
She is a Chartered Arbitrator and Mediator certified by ADR Canada, a Comprehensive Family Mediator certified by Family Mediation Canada, is on the rosters of Mediate BC, the BC Hear the Child, and the BC Parenting Coordinator Roster Society. She has a Bachelor of Social Work and is just finishing a Master of Social Work with a Clinical Specialization. Kat received her Certificate in Conflict Analysis and Management and her Certificate in Family Mediation from The Institute of Conflict Analysis and Management with an emphasis on Conflict in Organizations and Group Facilitation Skills. She received her Certificate in Arbitration from the ADRBC (formerly BCAMI). She is former President Elect of the Board of Directors of Family Mediation Canada, the Vice-President of the BC Parenting Coordinator Roster Society, is on the Board of University of Victoria Alumni Association is a former member of the Board of Directors of ADRBC.
Rola Mustafa LLM, MBA, Q.Med is a highly accomplished professional with a deep passion for conflict resolution and workplace fairness. With a robust background in mediation and alternative dispute resolution, she has made significant contributions to diverse communities in Syria and Canada.
Her journey began in London, UK, where she pursued her academic interests by studying alternative dispute resolution as part of her LLM in International Law at City University of London. Years later, she solidified her expertise by obtaining her accreditation in mediation from the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution. Rola has obtained certifications as a mediator from several Canadian institutes, including Family Mediation Canada, and accreditation from the ADR Institute of Canada. She highly values community involvement and dedicates her free time to volunteering with several organizations and boards.
In response to the intercultural challenges observed while working with diverse communities in Canada, Rola pursued further studies in intercultural communication at the University of British Columbia. Her aim is to actively contribute to the advancement of justice, equity, and inclusion within Canadian society.
As a global trainer in her field, Rola has conducted training sessions in both Arabic and English, sharing her invaluable insights in conflict resolution in various settings in Syria and Canada. With over 12 years of experience in Human Resources and Project Management, combined with her Global MBA, she brings exceptional proficiency to every aspect of her work. Currently, she serves as a Workplace Fairness Analyst at Workplace Fairness International, specializing in fostering inclusive and equitable workplaces.
Overview
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Certificates and individual classes start frequently!
Accreditation and Recognition
Read our guide to mediation/arbitration designations in Canada for a helpful breakdown.
Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM) – Accredited Family Mediator Designation (AccFM)
- The Family Mediation certificate is accredited and meets the five approved courses required for the OAFM AccFM designation. Review a complete list of requirements to become an Accredited Family Mediator.
Family Mediation Canada (FMC) – Certified Family Relations Mediator Designation (Cert.FRM)
- The Family Mediation certificate fulfills 64.5 of the required hours needed for the FMC Cert.FRM. Review a complete list of requirements to become a Certified Family Relations Mediator.
Specialized Mediation and Related Training Education Requirement for ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC) and ADRIC Institute of Ontario (ADRIO) Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) designation
- The Advanced Family Mediation class fulfills 21 hours of the specialized mediation and related training education requirement for the Q.Med designation (40 total are required). Review a complete list of requirements to become a Qualified Mediator.
Who Should Take the Certificate?
Our mediation students come from diverse professional backgrounds. We work with:
- Mediators looking to specialize in family mediation
- Lawyers and individuals with a legal background
- Non-lawyers seeking to become professional mediators
- Business managers and HR professionals
- Educators
- Union representatives
- Government officials
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
- Post-secondary university degree or college diploma; OR
- Relevant professional experience