Court Mediation Program
What is the Family Mediation Practicum Program?
The Family Mediation Practicum Program is a family justice initiative designed to provide an opportunity for trained but inexperienced family mediators to practice mediation skills in a high quality practicum environment. The Practicum is located in New Westminster, B.C. and is administered by the BC Dispute Resolution Practicum Society and annual funding has been provided by Justice Services Branch of Attorney General. Additional funding for specialized projects has been provided by The Law Foundation of BC.
FMPP is now offering 2 different practicum opportunities:
The Family Relations Practicum
This practicum focuses on such family matters as custody, guardianship, access or parenting plans, child support and special expenses as well as spousal support. In this practicum there is 20 hours of actual family mediation plus 10 hours of feedback for a total of 30 hours of practicum training with a mentor at the practicum site. The mediations are supervised by highly trained and experienced mentors who assist the mediators to prepare for and conduct each mediation session and provide constructive feedback following each mediation.The NEW Comprehensive Practicum
This practicum has been funded by The Law Foundation of BC and focuses on Property and Asset division as well as spousal support. This practicum is available in a 12 hour Family Module and it also includes preparation and debriefing sessions with a mentor.What are the entry qualifications?
Successful Family Relations Practicum participants are required to have a minimum of 40 hours of interest-based mediation training, including at least 10 hours of role play. In addition, they must have completed at least 24 additional hours of training in family dynamics and family violence and training in the fundamentals of family law. There is an additional pre-requisite for the Comprehensive Practicum which is 42 hours of training in property and asset division.
When does the next class start?
The Family Mediation Practicum Program offers orientations sessions throughout the year for mediators that have been accepted in the Program. The length of time to complete the Practicum depends upon which practicum you are in, the mediator and mentor availability and the volume of cases referred to the Program. The expected average time for completion is 6-9 months.
How to apply?
Applicants may apply at any time and offers of acceptance will be awarded based on the selection criteria and according to the date the application is received. Qualified applicants on the waiting list will be contacted when space is available. To apply for the Practicum, simply complete the application form below and send it to the address provided, with a copy of your résumé, a passport-size photograph, contact information for two references and a cheque for the cost of the practicum. This will be refundable if you are not accepted for the practicum.
Family Relations Practicum Application Form
The NEW Comprehensive Practicum Application Form
Please make the cheque payable to the 'BCDRPS - Family'.
What is the cost?
The fee for the 30 hour Practicum is $2,677.50 ($2550 plus 5% GST). A deposit of $400.00 is requested when you submit your application. The full fee is payable upon acceptance to the Program. If you are unable to participate in the Practicum after being accepted into the Program, a request for a refund must be made in writing no less than seven days prior to the first mandatory orientation session, and there will be a cancellation fee of $400 charged. Cancellations fewer than seven days prior to the first mandatory orientation session will be subject to a charge of $750.
The fee for the Comprehensive Practicum is $1365.00 ($1300 plus 5% GST). The full fee is payable upon acceptance to the Program. If you are unable to participate in the Practicum after being accepted into the Program, a request for a refund must be made in writing no less than seven days prior to the first mandatory orientation session, and there will be a cancellation fee of $200 charged. Cancellations fewer than seven days prior to the first mandatory orientation session will be subject to a charge of $350.
How to obtain further information?
If you have questions regarding your training qualifications or would like to receive further information, please contact Linda Bonnell, Program Manager, at (604) 516-0788 or email us at fmpp@drpracticum.com.
Upcoming Opportunities
We are now accepting applications for the Comprehensive Practicum. The first practicum will begin In November 2008.
We are now accepting applications for Comprehensive Certified Mentors. Please call (604) 516-0788 to obtain a Mentor Application form.