Vocational Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution

Relationships Australia (Victoria) has a strong record of training, research and service delivery. It has been providing sector-leading training in family dispute resolution for over 20 years.

The Training Ground is the registered training organisation of Relationships Australia (Victoria) and offers a Vocational Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution.

This qualification is for people with a background in law, psychology, social work or dispute resolution who are interested in a career in the expanding FDR field.

This diploma is a new required step for Australia´s family dispute resolution workers. It will suit those with an existing interest in conflict management, problem solving methodologies or alternative dispute resolution, and those who already work with couples, families and children in areas including:

• Post separation or divorce
• Families in conflict
• Families experiencing complex difficulties.

Graduates will be equipped to work in all fields of dispute resolution, with a primary focus on Family Law and eligible for registration with the Federal Attorney General´s Department as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner.

The Diploma includes a 40-hour internship, where students will actively work with clients in a supervised environment. Internship placement seminars will be conducted fortnightly.

The qualification was created in response to significant changes in the family law system and the creation of several new and extended services for families. It is provided in three modalities:

• In-class learning
• Recognition of prior learning

Prerequisites

Appplicants need an appropriate degree in law or social sciences; or a Certificate IV in Community Mediation; or proven work experience in the area.

Applicants will be required to attend an interview prior to acceptance into the course.

A Recognition of Prior Learning process is available (see below) to experienced practitioners of family dispute resolution.

Course fee

The course cost is $6,950

($1500 deposit required to confirm enrolment).

Instalment options are available. The deposit is non-refundable, unless one month’s notice is given prior to course commencement. 

Email The Training Ground for more information. See 2012 brochure.

In class learning

In Class Learning is structured around a three-day introductory workshop, and weekly seminars. Internship placement seminars are conducted fortnightly.

The topics offered are:

• models of practice
• managing power
• developing options & agreements
• child-centred practice
• developing reflective practice.

Units of the Vocational Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution

Calendar 2012

Intake 1

Dates are subject to change and participants will be notified.

Placements will be undertaken in the period: June - December 2012 and will be organised by the FDR Training Manager.

Intake 2

Dates are subject to change and participants will be notified.

Placements will be undertaken in the period: December 2012 - May 2013 and will be organised by the FDR Training Manager.

Applications

Applications for Intake 1 close on Friday 15 February and for Intake 2 on Friday 15 July 2012. Enquiries should be directed to FDR Training Manager. Download the enrolment form.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition enables students to have their existing skills and knowledge relating to family dispute resolution acknowledged and status granted where appropriate. This is available for people with extensive and relevant experience in family law, mediation, counselling or family and domestic violence.

If you answer yes to these questions, you may be a suitable candidate for recognition:

• Do you have a qualification in behavioural science or law? [diploma or advanced diploma level]
• Have you had a minimum of two years full-time experience (or equivalent) in dispute resolution?
• Have you done an accredited course of at least five days in dispute resolution?
• Do you have a comprehensive knowledge of family law?
• Have you conducted risk assessments for family violence and mental health issues?

View Flowchart of the recognition process.(pdf)