Currently, no. But certification is an important qualification that distinguishes those who are suitably trained, qualified and insured from those who may not be. If you want to obtain work with one of Ontario’s court-connected family mediation programs, like mediate393 inc., you generally must be certified.
Q&A - Family Mediation Training
Am I required to be certified to practice family mediation in Ontario?
Which organizations certify family mediators?
In Ontario, there are four options.
- The Ontario Association of Family Mediation (OAFM)
- The ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO)
- Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (FDRIO)
- Family Mediation Canada (FMC)
To practice anywhere in Canada, FMC certification is required. Our training program is designed to meet the requirements for Ontario certification with OAFM, ADRIO and FDRIO.
Please note that the training requirements of these organizations may change from time to time. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the organization with which they seek to be certified has approved the training programs they are taking, and we do not warrant that our training will meet all requirements of all organizations.
What kind of professional background do I need to become a certified family mediator?
Please check each organization’s requirements for certification.
What courses are required to become certified?
Training for different designations is complicated. Each certifying organization has different standards, and they change from time to time. Please consult with the organization with which you wish to become certified to learn their specific requirements.
What does the training cost?
Our courses are competitively priced, and we offer a discounted Foundation Course Package. Flexible payment arrangements are negotiable.
To link to individual courses for detailed information, including pricing, please go to Courses page.
What are the internship requirements?
Although the essential requirements are similar among the certifying organizations, they may change from time to time in detail. Please confirm the requirements of the organization whose certification you are seeking before registering for our internship program. Click here for details of our Internship Program.
Have more questions? Please visit the websites of the certifying organizations. If you have questions they cannot answer, feel free to contact us at [email protected]
Q&A - Family Arbitration Training
Why take Family Arbitration Training?
As more people opt for out-of-court dispute resolution, processes such as family arbitration are becoming more popular. Arbitration is a private process of adjudication that results in a binding decision. Arbitrators can significantly impact the lives of their clients. Those providing such services should seek to “do no harm”, and taking quality training that teaches the best current practices is a good way to try to achieve that goal.
As well, Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General requires those providing family arbitration services to meet specific requirements in order for their decisions to be effective. Click here for more information about the Ministry’s requirements.
Q: Which organizations provide professional designations for Family Arbitrators?
A: In Ontario, there are two certifying organizations for arbitrators:
Q: Why take Family Arbitration training with Riverdale?
A: Our lead trainers combine active professional practices in mediation, arbitration and parenting coordination with training— enabling them to teach based on their experiences.
Our family arbitration training is provided in collaboration with experienced professionals from the legal and mental health fields— allowing our students to learn from a diverse range of professionals.
Our training is highly rated by our students. It is designed to be compliant with the requirements of the Ministry of the Attorney General as well as the certification requirements of both FDRIO and ADRIO.
Q&A - Parenting Coordination Training
Q: Why take Parenting Coordination training?
A: Parenting Coordination (PC) is the newest of the process options for separating parents. It is an evolving process, one that is not regulated in Ontario— unlike many other jurisdictions that have legislation and/or Rules of the Court that address PC practice. In Ontario, Parenting Coordination is entirely a matter of private contract between the professional providing the service and the parents.
PC is designed for high conflict parents who need help with managing and implementing their parenting plans. It is a highly sophisticated process that includes education, coaching, mediation, and arbitration. Those providing the service should seek to “do no harm”, as they are working with vulnerable people—including children. Given the unregulated nature of this process in Ontario, professionals providing this service should seek to do in accordance with the highest of professional standards. Quality training is one way of seeking to achieve this goal.
Q: Which organizations provide professional designations for Parenting Coordinators?
A: In Ontario one organization has developed a Parenting Coordination designation:
Q: Why take Parenting Coordination Training with Riverdale?
A: Our lead trainers in Parenting Coordination are also highly experienced PCs. Our teaching team consists of experienced, professional trainers, and our PC courses are highly acclaimed by those who have taken them.