ADR TRAINING COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

The student will learn the basics of the mediation process, understand interpersonal conflict,  advanced communication skills, how to manage strong emotions, types of negotiation and when to use them, helping the parties find common ground and scribe agreements. The mediator-to-be will thoroughly understand the difference between legal information and advice, and explain each party’s’ rights and responsibilities, explain confidentiality and the volunteer nature of mediation. The mediator-to-be will learn how to construct payment plans and the details included.

Requirements for GDC certification: this 20-hour course, 4-hour Judicial Overview, 2 observations of court cases, 3 co-mediations=5 hours or more and write one agreement all with a certified mediator mentor.

The student will learn about types of custody, constructing a visitation plan and child support calculations. Their basic mediation knowledge will be built upon with an emphasis on the issues that may arise in family related cases. The JDR mediator will have advanced knowledge and skills to handle high emotion, allegations of abuse and the mandatory reporting requirement will be discussed, handling complex visitation needs, calculating child support responsibility of each parent and managing the change of a romantic relationship to that of co-parenting. 

Requirements for JDR certification:20-hour basic course, 4-hour Judicial Overview (if not yet completed), this 20-hour course, 8-hour Screening for and Managing Domestic Abuse in Mediation; 2 family mediation observations of court cases and 5 family co-mediations with a Certified Mediator Mentor and write an agreement including the visitation schedule.

Learn about the Virginia Judicial System including the jurisdiction of each court, the different positions that manage the court’s daily function, the life of a filed case and the similarities and differences with the federal court system.

Requirement for certification: in both the basic and JDR course: 4-hours (only taken once)  

Domestic abuse may be present in any case however it is imperative to understand its role in domestic/family cases. The mediator-to-be will learn how to recognize domestic abuse and importantly how to deal with it. Mandatory reporting is required of a mediator when they hear allegations of such child abuse, the mediator is not required to figure out if its valid-just report it, that is Child Protective Services responsibility to figure out the allegation validity  

Requirements for certification: 8-hour course

JDR Certified Mediators will be familiarized with the types of GDC cases, issues that arise in each type of case, construct payment plans, review the mediation process and will complete 1 one of the 2 required court GDC case observations. 

Requirements for certification to bridge from JDR to GDC:2 observations and 3 co-mediations of GDC cases with a Certified Mediator/Mentor.

Observe a role play performed by experienced mediators, recognize each stage of the process, review mediation processes, practice advanced communication skills, write an agreement and debrief the role-play.

Requirements for certification: 2 court observations and 3 co-mediations of GDC cases with a Certified Mediator/Mentee

Understand how your personal ethics have been developed, recognize your own bias, write a personal ethics statement and be aware of how your personal ethics influence your mediation style. Requirements for certification:  complete 2 hours of ethics every 2 years for recertification.

This course is designed for community members and leadership: organizations, churches, groups and political. Learn the basics of mediation and facilitation process’ outside the judicial prevue and court certification requirements in the community setting. The student and community member will learn the foundational principles of conflict and its resolution, effective communication skills, managing high emotions, finding a collaborative agreement and more.

Requirement to receive certificate: 14 hours, participate in a mediation and a facilitation role play, write an agreement and write an ethics statement.Understand how your personal ethics have been developed, recognize your own bias, write a personal ethics statement and be aware of how your personal ethics influence your mediation style.