Becoming a Child Protection Mediator

In order to practice as a child protection mediator in British Columbia, qualified mediators must be on a specialized roster, which is managed by the Mediate BC.

Qualifications

The following are the basic qualifications for child protection mediators:

Training and Education Requirements

• 80 hours of core education in conflict resolution, mediation theory, and skills training (40 hours specifically on mediation, including 10 hours of simulated, or role play, mediation under direct supervision)
• 100 additional hours of related training in dispute resolution or in a related field. A related field will be interpreted to include substantive professional disciplines such as law, social work, and psychology, or any other discipline involving a significant element of negotiation, communication skills, conflict management, etc.
• 15 hours per year of ongoing professional development and continuing education, defined to include courses, conferences, workshops, coaching, mentoring or supervising mediation trainees.

Experience Prerequisites

• Completion of a minimum number of mediation sessions as a primary mediator or sole mediator such as described below:
  • 10 fee-paid private mediations, or
  • 10 mediations in a structured setting under the auspices of an accepted mediation organization, or
  • 10 mediations in a fully supervised and accepted practicum, or
  • A combination of any of the above mediations which total 10 or more

Preference may be given to applicants with child protection mediation and family mediation experience.

Additional Knowledge and Experience

Demonstrated knowledge and experience related to:

• Child welfare
• Family/domestic violence
• Indigenous context/families/communities
• Mental health/problematic substance use

The Selection Process

The Child Protection Mediation Program (CPMP) is managed by Mediate BC. There will be no admissions to the Roster until at least the summer of 2020. For more information regarding the selection process, please contact Mediate BC after May 1, 2020.

After May 1, 2020, more information can be obtained at cpmediation@mediatebc.com or 604-684-1300/1-877-656-1300 Toll Free within Canada/USA, or by visiting Mediate BC’s Child Protection website.