Becoming a Child Protection Mediator

Completion of at least 80 hours of mediation-specific theory and skills training in an approved course or courses. To be approved to meet the full knowledge requirement, courses relied upon must address all of the following topics: 

• The mediation process and the mediator’s role in process management 

• Party self-determination 

• Mediator impartiality  

• Confidentiality, including agreements to participate 

• Drafting agreements or memoranda of understanding 

• Identification and management of matters involving vulnerable clients and/or inappropriate use of power by any participant 

Strong understanding of related topics in conflict resolution theory and practice, including negotiation, communication skills, conflict management, relationship and power dynamics demonstrated by 100 hours of additional training in topics substantially related to conflict resolution. This may include additional courses in mediation or other dispute resolution processes. 

Competence in the skills necessary to conduct a safe and ethical mediation that supports party self-determination demonstrated by completion of at least 10 hours of coached mediation role play (which may be part of courses identified to meet knowledge components) including at least 5 hours acting in the role of mediator or co-mediator. 

Substantial experience as a mediator which demonstrated by one or more of the following: 

• Completion of at least 10 mediations as sole mediator or co-mediator, or as a participant in an approved practicum program   

OR 

• Completion of at least 5 mediations plus 10 facilitated collaborative dispute resolution processes as sole or co-facilitator determined by the CPMP Admissions Panel to satisfy the experience requirement. (Processes that may meet this requirement include med-arb, restorative justice, family group conferences, and traditional decision-making.) *Participation in mediation or other facilitated processes in roles other than mediator or facilitator do not count towards this requirement. Please list your 5 mediations in the section above and the 10 facilitated collaborative dispute resolution processes below.   

Commitment to conduct mediations in accordance with Mediate BC’s Standards of Conduct and to be subject to the complaint process demonstrated by: 

• Annual written commitment to the Standards of Conduct – to be completed upon admission.  

• Two written references from individuals who are familiar with your mediation skills and commitment to the field. 

Awareness and understanding of Indigenous peoples, laws, histories, and current events, settler colonialism, the United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the importance of cultural safety in mediation, demonstrated by completion of course work and/or lived experience. Please note that all Child Protection mediators will be required to complete the mandatory Indigenous Cultural Awareness course provided by Mediate BC on joining the roster.  

It is important for Child Protection Mediators to be able to provide trauma-informed mediation services.  In your application, we ask that you please describe your knowledge and experience in these areas: 

• Trauma-Informed Mediation 

• Mediating in the Context of Family Violence 

• Mental Health 

In your application, we ask that you please describe your experience in the field of, or related to, child welfare.  

In your application, we ask that you please describe your experiences with including and facilitating youth participation in decision-making.