Elevate Your Mediation Skills: Advanced Mediator Accreditation and the Practicum Explained
17/10/2025
In this post we explore Advanced Mediator Accreditation under the AMDRAS and explain the Practicum Course that is part of
Why Choose Mediation Institute
We are the mediation and training specialists, building stronger families,
workplaces, and communities through accredited education and practical support.
Where Training, Support, and Global Impact Meet
Together, these organisations create a powerful and integrated network of support. An ecosystem that ensures individuals, community groups, and organisations have reliable access to resources and expertise for resolving conflict.
Mediation Institute
We provide nationally recognised AMDRAS training and professional accreditation for those seeking to become skilled mediators. We also offer specialised programs for professionals who wish to work with families as accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) or Family Group Conference (FGC) facilitators.
Interact Support Inc.
Delivering affordable, accessible mediation services directly to individuals, families, and communities, helping people resolve disputes constructively and reach lasting agreements without the expense or formality of court proceedings.
MBB Oceania
Actively connecting local mediators with international peacebuilding efforts, creating pathways for practitioners to share expertise, participate in cross-border initiatives, and contribute to lasting global conflict resolution.
Access Support
Reach out to Interact Support for affordable mediation services in family and to ICDRS for community disputes.
Partner With Us
Community organisations, clubs, and workplaces can collaborate with us to bring mediation resources into their networks.
Learn With Us
Build your conflict resolution skills through accredited training at Mediation Institute.
Mediation Institute: Leadership, Accreditation and Partnership
Since 2013, Mediation Institute (Mi) has supported mediators across Australia with training, membership, accreditation and professional development. Recognised as both a Recognised Accreditation Provider (RAP) and a Recognised Training Provider (RTP) under AMDRAS, the Institute ensures the highest professional standards in mediation practice. Director Joanne Law is driven by a mission to prevent abuse and violence and to help people see a path toward positive peace. Alongside Mediation Institute, she actively supports related organisations including Interact Support Inc.—a registered not-for-profit founded in 2015 delivering affordable mediation services to families and communities—MBB Oceania, Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) and the AMDRAS Board. You can connect with Joanne on LinkedIn and follow these organisations she supports on LinkedIn: Mediation Institute, Interact Support, ICDRS, MBB Oceania, MBBI and the AMDRAS Board.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mediation Institute
Q. What is Mediation Institute and what do you offer?
Mediation Institute (MI) is a specialist provider of mediation and family dispute resolution training in Australia. We offer nationally recognised qualifications, accreditation under the new standards (AMDRAS), membership support, professional development, and a community for mediators, FDR practitioners, and Family Group Conference Facilitators.
Q. What is your connection with Interact Support?
Mediation Institute (Mi) and Interact Support Inc are sister organisations with complementary roles:
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Mediation Institute is a training and membership organisation. It provides nationally recognised qualifications (such as the Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution in collaboration with RTO Inspiritive 21178), AMDRAS Mediator Training and Accreditation, Family Group Conferencing, professional development, accreditation support, and a community of practice for mediators, FDRPs, and related professionals. Panels and our Find a Mediator pages connect members directly to the public.
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Interact Support is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers mediation and family support services directly to the public. It focuses on accessible, affordable dispute resolution, especially for people in regional and rural areas or those who may face barriers accessing services. The community mediation program, ICDRS has a pro bono mediation panel to support community members who would not otherwise be able to afford mediation.
The two organisations work in partnership:
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MI trains and supports mediators and FDR practitioners.
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Interact Support provides a real-world practice environment where FDR students can gain placement hours and new AMDRAS mediators can gain experience, supervision, and ongoing work opportunities.
In short: MI prepares the professionals; Interact Support delivers the services. Together, they strengthen both practitioner development and community access to safe, ethical dispute resolution.
Q. What is the connection with Mediators Beyond Borders Oceania?
MBBO stands for Mediators Beyond Borders Oceania. It’s a not-for-profit organization composed of conflict practitioners, academics, citizens and students in the Oceania region. MBBO’s goals are promoting peaceful conflict resolution, capacity building, culturally-appropriate mediation, training, resources, and networking. MBBO+2MBBO+2
How is Mediation Institute connected with MBBO?
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Corporate Membership
Mediation Institute is a corporate member of MBBO. That means Mi supports, participates in, and collaborates with MBBO in events, training, and peacebuilding initiatives. -
Leadership Overlap
Joanne Law, Director of Mediation Institute, also holds leadership roles in MBBO. Her husband is the current president of MBBO’s. They provide leadership and are involved in MBBOs initiatives MBBO+1 -
Joint Events / Partnership Initiatives
Mi and MBBO collaborate on training and professional development. One example is a “mediator cruise” organized by Mi in partnership with MBBO, which offers participants the chance to complete the AMDRAS Advanced Mediator Practicum or CPD (professional development) while also supporting MBBO’s community work in Oceania. Mediation Institute Cruise -
Shared Values & Mission
Both organisations share goals around ethical mediation practice, peacebuilding, cultural sensitivity, and building mediation capacity. Their partnerships are consistent with these shared values.
MBBO is part of the wider global networks of Mediators Beyond Borders. Learn more about their international efforts here: Mediators Beyond Borders International
Q. How do these partnerships benefit clients?
They ensure clients receive local services, online options, and international knowledge to resolve conflicts effectively.
Q. How can my organization work with you?
You can partner with us to bring mediation services directly into your workplace, community group, association or club.
Q. What is AMDRAS and why does it matter?
Answer: AMDRAS (Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards) are the current nationally recognised standards that replaced NMAS. Mi is a Recognised Training Provider and Recognised Accreditation Provider under AMDRAS.
Q. Is there anything to help me help with conflict without being a mediator?
Yes! You can participate in a Conflict Management First Aid Workshop to begin building your skills in managing conflict and helping others.
Q. What are the steps to become an AMDRS Accredited Mediator
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Certificate of Training (COT): Complete the required training (online/self-paced + live components).
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Certificate of Assessment (COA): Pass assessments including role plays and written work.
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Accreditation application: Submit your credentials & assessment results to apply for official accreditation. Then maintain through CPD and membership.
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Join MiMembers.au for Professional Support and Accreditation
MiMembers.au offers membership for Mediators, FDRPs, and FGC Facilitators with AMDRAS-recognised accreditation, CPD, resources, tailored support, complaint handling, and ethical guidance for professional practice.
What is AMDRAS? View Here >>