Industry Updates

For Mediation Institute Members and other Dispute Resolution Professionals

FDR vs AMDRAS: Understanding Professional Obligations for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners.

Understanding the distinction between Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) practitioners and AMDRAS accredited mediators is crucial for professional practice in Australia.

In this comprehensive webinar, Joanne Law, Director of Mediation Institute, clarifies ...the professional boundaries, obligations, and key differences between FDR practitioners under the Family Law Act and nationally accredited mediators under AMDRAS standards.

📌 What You'll Learn:
✅ Why jurisdictional distinction matters for your practice
✅ Statutory obligations for FDR practitioners vs AMDRAS mediators
✅ Child focus, safety, and suitability assessment requirements
✅ Section 60I certificate authority and responsibilities
✅ Confidentiality and inadmissibility protections
✅ Registration pathways and accreditation requirements
✅ Professional development obligations (24-25 hours every 2 years)
✅ Record-keeping requirements (updated 2025 regulations)
✅ Common complaints and how to avoid them
✅ Decision-making framework for determining FDR vs general mediation

⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 Introduction & Acknowledgment
2:00 Why Jurisdictional Distinction Matters
4:06 Overlap Between FDR and AMDRAS
7:25 What Changes When It's FDR
11:03 Jurisdictional Triage
14:10 AMDRAS vs FDR Systems Comparison
25:49 FDR Obligations Under Family Law Act
29:51 Summary of Key Differences
36:01 Decision Making Framework
37:19 Insights from Complaints
42:00 Closing Remarks

🎓 Presented by:
Joanne Law, Director of Mediation Institute and Manager of the approved complaint handling service for nationally accredited mediators and FDR practitioners. http://www.mediationinstitute.edu.au

📋 Key Updates Covered:

- Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2025
- Updated Section 114B (formerly Section 117) cost provisions
- New record-keeping requirements
- Alternative pathways for AMDRAS accreditation

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

AMDRAS Board: http://www.amdras.au
Australian Institute of Family Studies: https://aifs.gov.au/resources/resource-sheets/mandatory-reporting-child-abuse-and-neglect
Mediation Institute: http://www.mediationinstitue.edu.au for training information. http://www.mimember.au for professional membership information

⚠️ Important for Practitioners:
If you only have core units and rely on AMDRAS accreditation for FDR registration, your FDR status is conditional on maintaining national accreditation. Don't let it lapse!

💬 Questions or Comments?
Share your thoughts below or contact Mediation Institute for more information.

📧 Want the Decision Tree Document?
Email us at office@mediationinstititute.edu.au to request a copy.

#FamilyDisputeResolution #FDR #Mediation #FamilyLaw #AMDRAS
© Mediation Institute
This presentation is for educational purposes. Always consult current legislation and seek professional advice for specific situations.Show More

FDR vs AMDRAS: Understanding Professional Obligations for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners.

Understanding the distinction between Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) ...

What is Summary? Why is Summarising a core mediation skill? #conflictresolution #mediation

What is a summary and why is it a core mediation skill? This short ...

Welcome to your AMDRAS Certificate of Training Course

Join Joanne Law, Director of Mediation Institute, for an in-depth ...

Join Joanne Law, Director of Mediation Institute, for an in-depth introduction to the AMDRAS Certificate of Training course.

Whether you're new to mediation or enhancing your skills, this course sets ...you on the path to becoming a nationally accredited mediator in Australia.

Over a comprehensive six-week learning pathway, you will explore the foundations of mediation, ethical practices, and diverse dispute resolution contexts. The course includes interactive quizzes, role plays, and self-directed learning with support from a dedicated training team. Stay engaged, complete your activities, and achieve your Certificate of Training!

00:00 Welcome & Introduction
00:02 Course Overview & Your Journey
00:35 Mediation Focus & Course Content
00:59 Interactive Learning & Role Plays
01:16 Six Week Learning Pathway
01:58 Course Flexibility & Time Commitment
02:54 Engagement Requirements & Certificate Eligibility
03:47 Support Team & Course Navigation
05:49 Final Encouragement & Next Steps

🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
• Foundations of facilitative mediation
• Non-determinative mediation models
• Ethical and effective mediation practices
• Skills for diverse dispute resolution contexts

⏱️ COURSE STRUCTURE
• 6-week pathway (up to 6 months to complete)
• 45+ hours live trainer interaction
• 15+ hours self-directed learning
• 2 hour pre-mediation role play practice session
• 9+ realistic mediation role play simulations
• Interactive quizzes and activities

✅ REQUIREMENTS
• Complete all quizzes and learning activities
• Participate in mandatory role plays
• Attend live webinars or review recordings with additional role play participation
• Steady engagement and progress

🎓 CERTIFICATION
Upon completion, receive your Certificate of Training—qualifying you for the Certificate of Assessment, the final educational step toward AMDRAS accreditation.

Considering this training? Visit https://www.mediationinstitute.edu.au/amdras-certificate-of-training/ for more information.

MediationTraining #AMDRAS #DisputeResolution #MediatorCertification #ProfessionalDevelopment #ConflictResolution #AustralianMediation #OnlineLearningShow More

The Difference Between Family Dispute Resolution and Elder Mediation

Join Sian Dyce, founder of Family Talks and experienced family and ...

Join Sian Dyce, founder of Family Talks and experienced family and elder mediator, as she explores the key differences between Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) and Elder Mediation in this comprehensive ...presentation for the Mediation Institute.
What You'll Learn:
🔹 Definitions & Core Concepts - Understanding the fundamental differences between FDR and elder mediation
🔹Participants - Who's involved in each process and why it matters
🔹 Timing - When each type of mediation is appropriate (pre-crisis vs. post-crisis)
🔹 Guiding Principles - Rights of children vs. rights of older persons
🔹 Ethical Challenges - Navigating capacity, power imbalances, and mediator neutrality
🔹 Implicit Biases - Recognizing ageism, caring roles, and cultural expectations
🔹 Legal Framework - Understanding the legislation governing each practice
Key Takeaways:
• FDR focuses on the best interests of the child, while elder mediation centres on the wishes and preferences of the older person
• Elder mediation can be preventative and used throughout the aging journey, not just in crisis
• The concept of "dignity of risk" - respecting an older person's right to make their own choices, even when they involve risk
• Capacity is assumed in elder mediation and can be enhanced through creative mediation approaches
• Elder mediation is collaborative, often involving multiple parties and professional supports
About the Speaker: Sian Dyce is a family dispute resolution practitioner and elder mediator with extensive experience in both fields. She is passionate about supporting families through important conversations around separation and aging. https://www.familytalks.com.au/our-services

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Acknowledgement of Country
9:00 - Definitions: FDR vs. Elder Mediation
15:00 - Participants in Each Process
21:00 - Timing: Pre-Crisis vs. Post-Crisis
26:00 - Guiding Principles & Rights
37:00 - Voice at the Centre
57:00 - Ethical Issues & Power Balance
87:00 - Capacity in Elder Mediation 106:00 - Implicit Biases
114:00 - Legal Status & Framework

Resources Mentioned:
• Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN)
• Elder Mediation Australasian Network (EMAN)
• New Aged Care Act Statement of Rights
• Professor Dale Bagshaw's Elder Mediation Training
• Mediation Institute hosted Mi Mediators Network

This presentation is ideal for mediators, family dispute resolution practitioners, legal professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the nuances of elder mediation as a specialized practice area.
________________________________________
#ElderMediation #FamilyDisputeResolution #Mediation #AgedCare #FamilyLaw #ConflictResolution #ElderCare #MediationInstituteShow More

Demo Role Play December 2025

Welcome to our mediation role play demonstration featuring the Manny ...

Why every family needs Elder Mediation. IMAW #conflictresolution #eldermediation #mediation

The Importance of Elder Mediation for Families: A Comprehensive Guide ...

The Importance of Elder Mediation for Families: A Comprehensive Guide

In this insightful webinar, Sian Dyce, a family and elder mediator, discusses the essential role of elder mediation in families, especially ...as they navigate the complexities of aging. Sian highlights the benefits of elder mediation, including its ability to facilitate respectful and collaborative conversations around aging, future needs, and family wishes. The session delves into what elder mediation is, how it works, and its goals, which include maximising the quality of life and relationships while promoting wellness and preventing conflicts.

Sian shares personal anecdotes and case studies to illustrate the importance of early and continuous conversations within families.

The presentation also covers the rights of older individuals, the concept of 'dignity of risk,' and the practical steps involved in the elder mediation process.

This session is part of the International Mediation Awareness Week and is hosted by the Mediation Institute.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:47 Acknowledging Traditional Custodians
01:39 What is Elder Mediation?
04:02 Goals and Benefits of Elder Mediation
05:51 The Concept of Wellness in Elder Mediation
11:46 Case Study: The Dignity of Risk
13:41 The Elder Mediation Process
15:29 When to Use Elder Mediation
19:23 Challenges and Hidden Expectations in Families
24:01 The Secret Life of Carers
27:26 The Role of Elder Mediators
29:38 The Importance of Courageous Conversations
29:59 Elder Mediation: Reducing Stress and Conflict
30:39 Supporting Informal Carers and Delaying Aged Care
31:34 Encouraging Family Conversations
31:40 Personal Story: The Need for Early Conversations
32:19 Resources for Elder Mediation
33:28 Training and Accreditation in Elder Mediation
34:15 Q&A: Addressing Elder Mediation Concerns
36:10 The Role of Mediators in Elder Care
43:20 Government Funding and Support for Mediation
47:07 End-of-Life and Advanced Care Planning
49:18 Conclusion and Future PresentationsShow More