Industry Updates

For Mediation Institute Members and other Dispute Resolution Professionals

Family Group Conferencing Is NOT a Normal Case Meeting — Here's the Difference

Most families dread the idea of sitting around a table talking about "everything they've done wrong." But that's not what Family Group Conferencing is — and that fear is exactly ...what a good facilitator helps them move past.

In this extract from a Mediation Institute training session, FGC trainer Eve Claire explains what makes FGC fundamentally different from a traditional case meeting:

✅ Everyone is around the table together
✅ Everyone hears the same thing at the same time
✅ The family makes the decisions — not the workers
✅ It's built on informed decision-making from the very first conversation

Instead of six workers telling a family what to do, FGC gives families the space and support to create their own plan. That changes everything.

👉 Want to learn how to facilitate Family Group Conferences? Visit http://www.mediationinstitute.edu.au and search for Family Group Conferencing.

🔔 Like and follow for more short extracts from Mediation Institute training sessions.

Suggested hashtags:
#FamilyGroupConferencing #FGC #MediationInstitute #FacilitatorTraining #ChildProtection #SocialWork #RestorativeJustice #FamilyServices #InformedDecisionMaking #ProfessionalDevelopmentShow More

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In this CPD webinar, Joanne Law, Director of Mediation Institute and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, walks through the significant 2024–2025 amendments to the Family Law Act and what they mean ...in practice for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs).

Topics covered include the codified four-step property framework, the new express provisions for family violence in contributions and current/future circumstances, the statutory duty of disclosure now written into the Act, and the new category for companion animals.

Note: The member discussion portion of this webinar has been edited out of this recording. A full version is available to members in the CPD library. http://www.mimembers.au

🔔 Like, subscribe and hit the bell for more FDR education and family law updates.

⏱️ Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome & introduction
0:58 – Housekeeping & session format
1:37 – Acknowledgement of Country
2:47 – Webinar overview: what we'll cover
4:41 – The four-step property framework (now in the Act – s.79(3))
5:21 – Family violence provisions: contributions & future circumstances
7:13 – Duty of disclosure: moved from Rules into the Act
8:35 – Companion animals: a new category (not just chattel)
9:06 – Add-backs: what's changed with current case law
14:20 – Step 1: Legal & equitable interests, asset identification
16:01 – Step 2: Contributions (financial, non-financial & family violence)
17:32 – Step 2 cont.: The family violence contribution lens
19:51 – Step 3: Current & future circumstances (s.79(5) factors)
25:28 – Housing & care of children: now an explicit factor
31:42 – Other s.79(5) factors: education, earning capacity, cohabitation
35:22 – Family violence: landmark case & the high bar that existed
37:05 – How the amendments have lowered that bar
43:33 – Duty of disclosure: key cases & practical implications
50:55 – s.71B: Our statutory obligation as FDRPs
55:58 – Managing disclosure: pre-mediation & during sessions
1:02:50 – When to stop the process: non-disclosure & financial abuse
1:10:02 – Companion animals: court orders, shared care & intake tips
1:23:07 – Key takeaways & CPD wrap-upShow More

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Supervision-Ready Case Studies: A Guide for Mediators

Learn how to transform your mediation case studies from superficial ...

Learn how to transform your mediation case studies from superficial timelines into deep, reflective tools for professional growth. This comprehensive webinar covers the essential framework for preparing supervision-ready case studies ...that explore decision-making, ethical tensions, and internal processes.

Perfect for family dispute resolution practitioners, workplace mediators, and anyone seeking to deepen their reflective practice through quality supervision or even personal reflection.

🎯 What You'll Learn:

• Why most case studies stay at surface level
• The 6-part structure for reflective case studies
• How to identify and explore ethical tensions
• Strategies for examining your internal decision-making
• Common pitfalls to avoid in case study preparation

📚 Resources:
• Free case study preparation tool for Mediation Institute Members
• Introduction to the Seven Eyes supervision model
• Tripod Model for balanced supervision

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Introduction & Acknowledgement
0:58 What's Hardest About Case Studies
3:23 Why Case Studies Stay Superficial
4:56 Example: Superficial Case Study
6:09 Supervision Questions
7:42 How to Design a Case Study
8:12 Professional Supervision Overview
9:25 Supervision Ready Case Study Elements
11:00 Reflection as Risk Management
11:33 Six Part Structure Tool
14:19 Detailed Example - Context
16:01 Detailed Example - Process Decision
16:20 Detailed Example - Ethical Tension
16:37 Detailed Example - Internal Experience
17:21 Detailed Example - Questions
19:07 Group Discussion
28:19 Tripod Model Introduction
29:27 Seven Eyes Model
31:05 Common Ethical & Reflective Pitfalls
38:47 Recap & Key Takeaways
40:18 Q&A - Supervisor Course

🔗 Related Links:
https://www.mimembers.au/links
https://www.mediationinstitute.edu.au/supervision-training/

📢 About This Webinar:
Presented by the Mediation Institute, this webinar provides practical guidance for mediators and family dispute resolution practitioners seeking to maximize the value of professional supervision.

Mediation #ProfessionalSupervision #CaseStudy #FDR #ReflectivePractice #MediationTraining #ProfessionalDevelopmentShow More

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Family Group Conferencing Is NOT a Normal Case Meeting — Here's the Difference