Overview

Build the core competencies required for family dispute resolution practice

This training is designed for people who do not need the full 10-unit qualification because they already meet the separate qualification or accreditation requirements for the Core Units only registration pathway.

The program focuses on the essential capabilities Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners need: working in the family law context, managing ethical responsibilities, responding to domestic and family violence, supporting vulnerable parties, and maintaining a child-focused practice approach.

Training is delivered online by experienced Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners and vocational trainers through Mediation Institute, in partnership with RTO Inspiritive (21178).

What this pathway includes✓
6 core units only
The mandatory foundation units from CHC81115.
✓
Online learning
Designed for busy professionals needing flexibility.
✓
Mentored role plays
Practice-based learning linked to real FDR capability requirements.
✓
Supervised placement
Minimum 50 hours of FDR practice under supervision.

Who It’s For

Seeking the Core Units Only registration pathway?

This option is intended for applicants who already meet the separate entry requirements for the Core Units registration pathway.

That generally includes applicants who hold a specified qualification such as a higher education award in law, psychology, social work, conflict management, mediation, dispute resolution or a related field, or applicants who meet the applicable AMDRAS pathway conditions.

It is not the general pathway for people relying only on workplace experience. If you need the broader qualification pathway, the full CHC81115 program is the better fit.

Before enrolling

Confirm you meet the qualification or AMDRAS criteria for the Core Units pathway.
Be ready to complete supervised work placement.
Check your technology setup for online learning and video role plays.
Review the full qualification page if you are unsure which pathway applies.

Need help deciding? Direct prospective students to an eligibility check or enrolment discussion before confirming this pathway.

Capabilities & Units

The 6 core units

These are the mandatory core units from the CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution.

CHCFAM001

Operate in a family law environment

Develop the foundational knowledge needed to work confidently within the Australian family law system and the FDR framework.

CHCDSP001

Facilitate dispute resolution in the family law context

Build the process and facilitation skills required for family dispute resolution across parenting, property and separation matters.

CHCDSP002

Adhere to ethical standards in family dispute resolution

Strengthen ethical decision-making, professional boundaries, impartiality, and practice accountability.

CHCDSP003

Support the safety of vulnerable parties in family dispute resolution

Learn to identify risks, assess suitability, and respond appropriately where vulnerability affects participation and safety.

CHCDFV008

Manage responses to domestic and family violence in family work

Develop practice approaches for recognising, responding to and managing domestic and family violence in family work.

CHCFAM002

Work with a child-focused approach

Apply a child-focused lens to dispute resolution work so children’s needs remain central in parenting discussions and planning.

Family dispute resolution trainee participating in supervised work placement session

Ready to start your Family Dispute Resolution training?

Enrol in the CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Core Units course.

Enrol Now

Mandatory Work Placement

50 hours of supervised family dispute resolution practice

Students completing the Core Units pathway must still complete the minimum requirement of 50 hours of family dispute resolution practice under the supervision of a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

Placement should involve active practice, not just observation.

This supervised experience is often the most valuable part of the training. During the 50 hours, participants typically participate in between 5 and 10 real family dispute resolution matters, gaining mentored experience with clients under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.

The opportunity to see how screening, intake, mediation sessions and outcomes work in practice helps build the professional judgment and confidence needed for family dispute resolution practice.

Placement options

Family Relationship Centres
Private FDR practitioners or services
Government-funded family services
Placements can be in person or online

Placement Support

Assistance provided with introductions to private and public FDR services.

Flexible online placement available through Interact Support's Interact Online program.

Interact Support is a not-for-profit social enterprise established by Mediation Institute directors in 2015. Placement is available through this program with an additional placement fee of $4,400 payable to Interact Support.

Sector Experience

Trusted by Leading Family Dispute Resolution Services

Mediation Institute provides training for practitioners working across family dispute resolution, family relationship and community service settings. Organisations that have engaged Mediation Institute to train staff include:

Relationships Australia Interrelate Anglicare CatholicCare Centacare UnitingCare Better Place Legal Aid OzChild Marymead MacKillop Family Services LifeWorks Relationships Australia Interrelate Anglicare CatholicCare Centacare UnitingCare Better Place Legal Aid OzChild Marymead MacKillop Family Services LifeWorks

Program Fee

Core Units Only

$10,000

Flexible, self-paced online delivery with support from experienced FDR trainers.

Interest-free payment plans can be offered, with fees to be finalised before a qualification or statement of attainment is issued.

At a glance•
Duration: approximately 8 months plus work placement
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Delivery: fully online learning and role plays
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Outcome: statement of attainment for the 6 core units
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Registration note: subject to AGD requirements and applicant eligibility

Practical and flexible

Study online while building the role play, screening, ethics and communication capabilities needed in family dispute resolution work.

Compliance aware

Learn within the family law and FDR practice framework, including safety screening, child focus, and practitioner responsibilities.

Designed for eligible professionals

A streamlined option for people who already satisfy the separate qualification or accreditation requirements for the core-units registration pathway.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I register as an FDRP with the core units only?

Potentially, yes, if you also meet the separate qualification or AMDRAS conditions required for the Core Units only registration pathway and satisfy the other Attorney-General’s Department requirements.

Is this different from the full CHC81115 qualification?

Yes. The full qualification includes 10 units in total: 6 core units and 4 electives. Find out more about the full qualification.

Do I still need work placement?

Yes. Work placement remains a required part of achieving competency for this pathway.

Is the training online?

Yes. Theory learning and role plays are delivered online, with placement arranged through suitable services or practice settings.

What if I am not sure I qualify for this pathway?

Use an eligibility check or speak with the training team before enrolling. If you do not meet the separate pathway requirements, the full qualification may be the better option. Find out more about the full qualification.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Enrol in the FDR Core Units Training pathway

Enrol in the CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Core Units course.

Enrol Now Compare with Full Qualification