NCJ Number
99281
Journal
Mediation Quarterly Issue: 8 Dated: (June 1985) Pages: 67-72
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper presents the ethical standards for court-connected mediators developed by the Certification Committee of the California chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.
Abstract
The Certification Committee was created to explore the certification of court-connected mediators in California. The proposed ethical standards are intended to ensure consistency and quality in court-connected mediation. They contain a preamble, a code of ethics for mediators of child custody disputes, and a presentation of the knowledge base and skills required for competent mediation. The preamble describes the mediation process and commits the mediator to a high standard of competence. The code of ethics encompasses impartiality, confidentiality, the mediation goal, referrals, training and education, impropriety, and the integrity and competence of the mediation process. The presented knowledge base covers relevant legal issues, family dynamics, developmental theory, and the mediation process. The required knowledge of family dynamics encompasses family systems theory, divorce, the remarried family, and domestic violence. Developmental theory deals with both child and adult development, and knowledge of the mediation process addresses conflict resolution and negotiation theories, cognitive and communication theories, small-group dynamics, and crisis intervention techniques. Finally, 18 mediator skills are listed.