A 20-hour asynchronous training package approved by both Family Mediation Canada (FMC) and the Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN) for their respective, Elder Mediation Certification Programs. The course content also meets the FMC/EMIN certification maintenance requirements.
What Is Elder Mediation?
What does that term really mean, and does it have a legitimate claim on impacting a reduction in the incidence of elder abuse and neglect? Elder Mediation is a process in which a professionally trained Elder Mediator utilizes a “mediation process model” to address issues and concerns involving an older adult. In some cases, an older adult who is vulnerable may be at the heart of the mediation but in other cases the mediation might be called to reduce or prevent vulnerability of the older person.
Elder Mediation is based on a wellness model that promotes a person-centred approach for all participants; it is mindful of the older person(s) while respecting the rights of each person participating. Regardless of the numbers present, each person is unique with his or her own narrative, intrinsic value, strengths, and weaknesses. Through the Elder Mediation lens, aging is viewed as part of a continuing process of development and change, rather than just a period of physical and cognitive decline.
What to expect in the course…
This Elder Mediation Training is a specialized course with 20-hours of training that includes, lectures, interviews, activities, role plays, video demonstrations and readings. Utilizing a person-centered and trauma informed model, the course will share with participants many of the skills, knowledge and competencies required to be an effective Elder Mediator. Upon completion of the 20 hours a complementary coaching session with the presenter is being offered.
Note: The current offering is Part One of a 40-hour course – the balance of the training will be released in early 2023.
Topics will include:
- Impact of Ageism in all its forms; “isms” generally
- Cultural diversity & building cultural awareness
- Recognizing & responding to elder abuse & neglect
- Screening – indicators, signs and symptoms
- Safety planning & referral sources
- Ongoing Balance of Power,
- Building/maintaining trust
- Addressing subtleties of control; inclusive language
- Ethics and ethical issues weaved throughout
- Elder Mediation practice guidelines
- Elder Mediator competency & basic understanding of brain health
- Impact of trauma and high conflict personality types
Who should attend:
Those wishing to learn about Elder Mediation, wills and estate mediators; psychologists, physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, social workers, lawyers practicing in the area of elder law, wills, estates and trusts. This training may also be of interest to other professions who are interested in mediation generally and in working with age related matters.
Judy M. Beranger, MA, Cert.EM Advanced; Cert.CFM Advanced
Judy is recognized as a world leader in the field of Elder Mediation. She is an inspiring and knowledgeable trainer and was the drafter of the Code of Ethics for Elder Mediators internationally. She has been involved with every subsequent update and helped write an additional supporting document: Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults. Judy developed the entire Elder Mediation Certification framework and process for Elder Mediators and did so over a two-year period with input from hundreds of people, including focus groups from a variety of countries along with Family Mediation Canada (FMC), other organizations, networks, and Societies. Judy is President of FMC and a Past President of the Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN).
With special guest contributions from:
Lorenzo De Franco, Ontario
Sabby Duthie, Ontario
Julie Castree, Australia
Marie Claire Chartrand, Nova Scotia
Elise Lavigne Q.C., Alberta
Alvina Snell, British Columbia
Helen Hirsh Spence, Ontario
Margaret Boucher, Ireland
Registration Fee — 20 hours
FMC/EMIN Members $750CAD; Non-Members $900 (no tax)