Virtual Seminar
From Allegation to Understanding:
Parent-child contact problems are among the most challenging issues that arise in family mediation. These cases often involve intense emotions, competing narratives, strained parent-child relationships, allegations of alienation or estrangement, concerns about family violence, and questions about the appropriate role and limits of mediation. This seminar will provide a practical and evidence-informed framework for understanding parent-child contact problems through a multifactor lens. Participants will consider how mediators can identify relevant dynamics, avoid premature conclusions, support child-focused problem-solving, and recognize when mediation may need to be adapted, paused, or integrated with other professional or legal interventions.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:
- Identify common patterns and contributing factors associated with parent-child contact problems after separation and divorce.
- Apply a multifactor, child-centred lens to mediation screening, process design, and problem-solving.
- Recognize the opportunities and limits of mediation, including when adaptations, referrals, or additional safeguards may be required
Speaker
Dr. Michael Saini
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Michael Saini is a Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, where he holds the endowed Chair in Law and Social Work and is cross-appointed to the Faculty of Law. He also serves as the Co-Director of the combined J.D./M.S.W. program. With over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of family law and social work, Dr. Saini brings a deep understanding of how social work values align with mediation practices. His research and teaching focus on trauma-informed approaches, child-inclusive dispute resolution, and evidence-informed policy development. He has authored more than 200 publications on parenting evaluations, family violence, and dispute resolution processes and regularly presents to international audiences on the evolving role of social workers in legal contexts. Dr. Saini is a board member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), Family Mediation Canada (FMC), and the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children (CCRC), and is committed to strengthening the profession’s role in peaceful, collaborative family law solutions.
Pricing
| Virtual | |
| Member | $90 |
| Non-Member | $210 |
The non-member price for the conference includes a one year FMC membership; or, join now as a General Member for $140/year.
Registration Disclaimer
Registrations are transferable; however, no cancellations or refunds will be issued. By completing your registration, you acknowledge and accept these terms.
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Did You Know?
FMC has over…
100+
BC Government Employee Members
British Columbia’s Family Justice Services Division (FJSD) is part of the Ministry of Attorney General and has a long-standing relationship with Family Mediation Canada. In 1997, FJSD partnered with Family Mediation Canada to develop the certification process for family mediators which is now a requirement for all family justice counsellors providing family dispute resolution services . Once family justice counsellors have completed a six-month training program through the Justice Institute of British Columbia (which includes courses and a practicum), they must pass the Family Mediation Canada written exam and skills assessment required to be appointed as a family justice counsellor. The Province maintains certification for over 80 family justice counsellors which requires 21 hours of professional development annually.
The Family Mediation Canada affiliation and accreditation is highly valued and greatly supports public confidence in the province’s family mediators.