Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution CHC80115

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1 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution CHC80115

2 Thank you for your interest in the CHC80115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution! This program outline is designed to provide you with detailed course information to support making a decision about whether this course is the most suitable and appropriate for your career goals and individual needs. Course Details Code name: Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution Course code: CHC81115 Release Number: 1 Currency: Current The qualification reflects the role of family dispute resolution practitioners who provide services and interventions for families experiencing high levels of relationship conflict where clients may be involved in the family law system. They may work as independent practitioners or in larger agencies, including government funded bodies. Dispute resolution in this qualification has a direct link to the provisions of the Family Law Act 1975 and the Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs) make high level, independent, complex judgements in highly specialised contexts. Some practitioner roles may also involve full responsibility and accountability for all aspects of own work as well as responsibility for broader management functions such as analysis, program planning, budgeting and strategy design. Practitioners must apply to the Australian Government Attorney-General s Department for registration as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and depending on the applicant, must hold either units of competency or the full qualification for registration. Registered Training Organisation (RTO) The RTO who is partnered with FMC Relationship Services is: Name: RTO Code: 0260 Contact: Chisholm Institute Enterprise and Partnerships PO Box 684 Dandenong VIC 3175 For specific locations visit: The training you receive is provided through Chisholm who is the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in partnership with FMC who will deliver the training and assessment. This means that you will be enrolled with Chisholm and receive a Chisholm branded certificate on successful completion of your course. Chisholm Institute is responsible for the quality of the training and assessment in compliance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 and for the issuance of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) certification documentation. Target Students FMC Relationship Services key student target group for this course are mediation and/or dispute resolution practitioners with previous experience in a dispute resolution environment such as Psychology, Social Work, Law, Conflict Management, Dispute Resolution or Family Law Mediation. Individuals will have experience in a job role involving self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in some areas, exercise of independent judgement and decision-making, and a range of technical and other skills. Location Delivery in all student modes for this course is managed from FMC Relationship Services main office located at Level 4, 1001 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin VIC Workplace supported students, including those on work placements, will have a component of the course delivery conducted onsite. Course Duration & Timelines The standard course duration is 8 months. Template Version: B Application Version: A Page 2 of 10

3 Pathways for Students Training Pathways Students entering the course must meet the course entry requirements and Chisholm Institutes entry requirements as outlined below. This includes several training pathways possible for course entry. Students completing the course may move through a career pathway to a Masters level qualification in Psychology, Social Work or related fields, or other suitable University higher education. Credit Arrangements There are no fixed credit agreements in place with any other institution for students completing this qualification. Employment Pathways After completing this course, students can pursue a career in a wide variety of occupations, including roles such as a Family and Marriage Counsellor. Practitioners must apply to the Australian Government Attorney-General s Department (AGD) for registration as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and depending on the applicant, must hold either units of competency or the full qualification for registration. Additional application requirements also apply. Further information is available from the AGD at: uteresolutionpractitioner.aspx Course Requirements The CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution requires 10 units to be completed: 6 core units; plus 4 elective units, consisting of up to 4 units from any endorsed Training Package or accredited course these units must be relevant to the work outcome. All of the elective units listed below must be completed, as FMC Relationship Services is offering a set course program. Core unit(s) CHCDFV008 Manage responses to domestic and family violence in family work CHCDSP001 Facilitate dispute resolution in the family law context CHCDSP002 Adhere to ethical standards in family dispute resolution CHCDSP003 Support the safety of vulnerable parties in dispute resolution CHCFAM001 Operate in a family law environment CHCFAM002 Work with a child-focused approach Elective unit(s) CHCFAM007 Assist clients to develop parenting arrangements CHCFAM008 Work within a child inclusive framework CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice CHCFCS001 Facilitate the family counselling process The course unit selection represents a reduced suite of elective unit options that have been selected and approved for delivery by FMC Relationship Services students are advised this may not include the full elective unit suite of options available under the national qualification packaging rules. Unit Pre-requisites and Co-requisites There are no pre-requisites or co-requisites applicable to course units. Course Nominal Hours Total course nominal hours, depending on the state jurisdiction of delivery and elective units selected, are in the range of 755 hours. Nominal hours are an allocation to describe how long a student who does not hold any of the competencies identified in the relevant units of competency would take to develop all the required skills and knowledge. Template Version: B Application Version: A Page 3 of 10

4 This nominal duration includes all teaching and learning activities such as guided learning (classes, lectures, tutorials, online or self-paced study), individual study, research, learning activities in the workplace and assessment activities. The amount of training provided by FMC Relationship Services is part of the overall volume of learning and relates primarily to formal activities including classes and other activities as well as workplace learning. Course Entry Requirements Entry to this qualification is only open to individuals who: Hold an undergraduate degree or higher qualification in Psychology, Social Work, Law, Conflict Management, Dispute Resolution, Family Law Mediation or equivalent; or Hold accreditation under the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS); or Hold the Mediation skill set from the Community Services Training Package (CHC); or Can provide documented evidence of previous experience in a dispute resolution environment in a job role involving self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in some areas, exercise of independent judgement and decision-making, and a range of technical and other skills. Students who do not currently meet these entry requirements should contact FMC Relationship Services to discuss support options, including participation in FMC Relationship Services NMAS Accredited Mediator program. Chisholm/FMC Relationship Services Course Admission Requirements Student must: Be at least 18 years of age; Have completed Year 12 in the Australian school system or equivalent; Have sufficient computer skills to undertake online research; Have access to a computer, laptop or tablet device with an internet connection; and Have language, literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to ASCF Level 3. Language, Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (LLN) Students must demonstrate suitable LLN skills which are assessed when applying for enrolment. The assessment relates to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) and is a required part of applying for enrolment. FMC Relationship Services' selection criteria takes into account various factors when deciding upon which students will be offered places in the course including; The students needs and desired outcomes; The ability and commitment of the student to complete the course; Students existing ability in the ACSF core skills - learning, reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy; Any areas where students may need additional support. Individual Suitability Checks Students are advised that, due to occupational and work placement arrangements, students must apply for and achieve suitable individual checks as a component of the course program to confirm that they are of good character and that they have not been convicted of any offences involving violence to a person, or a sexrelated offence which would disqualify them from accreditation as an FDR practitioner. These include a: National Criminal Check ( and Working with Children Check in the relevant state of operations. Student Identification Requirements Students are advised the minimum identification requirements must be met prior to enrolment: Provision of the student s Unique Student Identifier (USI); Provision of Australian legal photo identification for assessment purposes. If students do not have a USI they can create one at or ask FMC Relationship Services for assistance. Template Version: B Application Version: A Page 4 of 10

5 Work Placement Arrangements The CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution requires a mandatory work placement of a minimum of 50 hours in duration for the purposes of work place based assessment. Students are advised that this work placement is compulsory and unpaid. The use of work placements: Strengthens the individual s experience of the workplace to support future expectations of performance in the workforce; Develops practice skills and application of knowledge within the workplace, promoting stronger embedding of learning; and Provides exposure to real workplace situations and circumstances which cannot be replicated in a learning environment or simulation. Work placements are used for on the spot assessment and to capture a range of evidence to support a decision of competency. FMC Relationship Services assists each individual student to locate a work placement and works with each student and their placement employer in confirming the duration, schedule applicable and what outcomes are expected of the work placement. FMC Relationship Services provides each student and workplace supervisor with an agreed, structured learning plan that indicates the purpose of the work placement and the minimum requirements for training and assessment in the specified units of competency. Work placements always involve the appropriate supervision and guidance from individuals in the workplace and trainers and assessors. All student work placements are conducted under the supervision of an accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. Students are advised that the following units of competency from within the course cannot be completed until the mandatory work placement is successfully completed: CHCDSP001 Facilitate dispute resolution in the family law context minimum 50 hours work placement; CHCDSP002 Adhere to ethical standards in family dispute resolution minimum 50 hours work placement; CHCDSP003 Support the safety of vulnerable parties in family dispute resolution minimum 50 hours work placement; CHCFCS001 Facilitate the family counselling process minimum 50 hours work placement; and CHCFAM008 Work within a child inclusive framework - Skills must be demonstrated in a workplace. Students should note that the total course work placement hours must be a minimum 50 hours work placement it is not required to undertake 50 hours per unit. Licensing Requirements The CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution covers a range of legal and regulatory requirements including Commonwealth family law legislation, how this is applied in organisations and in individual practice. Key legislation covered includes: Family Law Act 1975 Part II (Family dispute resolution and confidentiality and inadmissibility provisions), Part IIIA (obligations re provision of certain information to clients), Part IIIB (Court may refer parties to family counselling, FDR and other family services), Part VII (Children outlines section 60I requirements, mandatory reporting of child abuse requirements) and Part VIII (Property, spousal maintenance and maintenance agreements). Family Law Legislation Amendment (Superannuation) Act 2001 and Regulations deals with splitting of superannuation benefits. Family Law (Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners) Regulations 2008 sets out accreditation requirements and obligations for FDRPs. Family Law Regulations 1984 sets out amongst other things what prescribed information (about noncourt based family services and court processes and services, reconciliation, Part VII proceedings) advisors should be giving clients. Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) Students are advised that on completion of the course, practitioners must apply to the Australian Government Attorney-General s Department (AGD) for registration as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and depending on the applicant, must hold either units of competency or the full qualification for registration. Additional application requirements also apply. Template Version: B Application Version: A Page 5 of 10

6 This accreditation provides for the practitioner to support parties seeking to have a parenting matter determined by a family law court as the parties are required to file a certificate from an accredited FDRP. The certificate is issued under Section 60I of the Family Law Act 1975 and is commonly known as a Section 60I Certificate. Specific Industry / Stakeholder Needs Students should note that this course and related occupations require a high level of English as it is important that graduates are able to communicate effectively in Australian workplaces. As such, minimum entry requirements for English ability have been specified. Course Organisation & Delivery Modes The course units of competency are studied via the FMC Relationship Services recommended study pathway providing a logical program structure for students undertaking learning and assessment tasks. The course is available via workshop mode at FMC Relationship Services premises, with mandatory work placement. Students should expect to undertake on average 76 hours study per unit (20 hours per week on a full time study load) for the duration of the course. These hours include all training, study and assessment activities during the course. Students engage with FMC Relationship Services personnel for workshop delivery as per the Course Delivery Schedule outlined below. Student Resources, Texts, Materials & Equipment Requirements IT Requirements Due to online research requirements of the course, following IT technical requirements are required: Any current or 2-3 year old computer would generally be suitable. Internet access is also required for internet research and reading tasks. Other Resources No other resource or equipment is required to be provided by the student all other resource needs for this course are provided to students by FMC Relationship Services. Fees The standard course tuition fee for the CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution is $8000 per student, payable over the duration of the course. Flexible payment options are available. Please refer to Chisholm Institute s Schedule of Tuition Fees for further information Support Services A pre-training review and a Training Plan is completed with all students prior to enrolment to identify any individual need, resource requirements, delivery unit schedule and support options. Students are asked to identify their individual needs, but are sometimes reluctant to do so. A Services personnel monitor the progress of all students and their readiness for assessment as they progress through their course. Delivery materials and methods may be adapted for the special needs of students. Some examples may include enlarging print materials for vision requirements, provision of ICT equipment and support, accessing interpreter services or using individual delivery methods. A range of support services, including LL&N training, may be accessed as required for student needs. Please refer to Chisholm Institute s Student Information available at for further information. Assessment Arrangements A range of assessment environments are involved in the assessment of student s competency. Workplace and case study projects are employed for summative assessment, where workplace application of all competencies can be observed by the FMC Relationship Services Assessor. For on-the-job assessment observations, the Assessor organises to visit the student on-site at a mutually convenient time. Template Version: B Application Version: A Page 6 of 10

7 At all times, the assessment approaches planned will be compliant with FMC Relationship Services RTO partner s Assessment Policy. All assessment approaches used are compliant with the requirements of the Assessment Guidelines from the national Training Package or accredited course curriculum. For each unit of competency (and each element within the unit), a range of evidence will be collected. All specific resources for each unit of competency are listed within FMC Relationship Services Assessment Resource for each unit. Information within each unit resource includes: Specific assessment resources required; Assessment methods available to be used; Plan for and timing of assessment; and Any adjustments that may be needed to cater for different student characteristics. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT) Recognition documentation and applications is available for all units of competency for those students who have extensive experience in the unit areas. Chisholm Institute recognises Qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by other RTOs under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Students may use Qualifications and Statements of Attainment to gain credit towards this qualification. Please refer to Chisholm Institute s Student Information available at for further information. Reasonable Adjustment There may be times and situations in which a student may require reasonable adjustment of the training and assessment methods implemented by FMC Relationship Services to meet their specific individual needs. While adjustments can be made to assessment procedures, the integrity of the unit of competency and/or qualification must be upheld. This may include varying assessment tasks to produce the same outcomes via different methods, for example: Allowing additional time or the use of a computer in a written test for a candidate who has a disability that impacts on his/her ability to write; Asking a candidate to record responses on a video or audio tape where they have difficult writing; Allowing candidate to provide oral responses rather than written responses or vice versa; or Using an Auslan interpreter during assessment tasks. Although it is important to consider the individual candidate s needs, the rigour of the assessment process must not be compromised. For example, if it is a requirement of the unit of competency that the individual produce written documentation, an oral report cannot be substituted. Supports for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates for assessment The special needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities are recognised as a key focus. Consideration is given to: Impact of rural and isolated communities and experiences on the training, learning and assessment needs; Need for trainers and assessors to be aware of the impact of European colonialism on the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; Potential for particular consultative requirements by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities which may impact the training and assessment experience; The inclusion (by assessors) of methods which refer to community activities and reflect community culture and standards; Need for trainers and assessors to be conscious of community protocols, codes of ethics and guides to consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities; Potential language and literacy needs that impact both clients and workers; and The impact of cultural safety issues on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, both in their work in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities and in mainstream community sector work. Course Specific Withdrawal Information For general information about the withdrawal and refunds and the grounds on which the student s enrolment may be deferred, suspended or cancelled, please refer to Chisholm Institute s Student Information available at for further information. Template Version: B Application Version: A Page 7 of 10

8 Course Delivery Schedule CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution The schedule may vary but the student contact time is maintained. Month Sessions To be delivered/ assessed Student Workshop Hours Operating in Family Law 1 & & & & CHCFAM001 Operate in a family law environment CHCDSP002 Adhere to ethical standards in family dispute resolution CHCDSP001 Facilitate dispute resolution in the family law context Supporting Vulnerable Parties CHCDFV008 Manage responses to domestic and family violence in family work CHCDSP003 Support the safety of vulnerable parties in dispute resolution Child-Focused Approaches CHCFAM002 Work with a child-focused approach CHCFAM008 Work within a child inclusive framework CHCFAM007 Assist clients to develop parenting arrangements Professional Practice CHCFCS001 Facilitate the family counselling process CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice 30 hours 30 hours 30 hours 30 hours Each session is 7.5 hours duration exclusive of breaks. Unit Outlines CHCDFV008 Manage responses to domestic and family violence in family work This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and manage responses to domestic and family violence in family work. This unit applies to dispute resolution and other practitioners working with significant autonomy and self-direction in the provision of services to families impacted by domestic and family violence, both users and victims. CHCDSP001 Facilitate dispute resolution in the family law context This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and facilitate the family dispute resolution process with the aim of assisting families to reach mutual agreement on issues related to relationships, children, property and assets. It requires the ability to use mediation, conciliation, facilitation and conferencing skills. This unit applies to dispute resolution practitioners managing complex family dispute resolution using a variety of facilitative processes within the family law environment. Template Version: B Application Version: A Page 8 of 10

9 CHCDSP002 Adhere to ethical standards in family dispute resolution This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine ethical responsibilities, apply ethical standards to the dispute resolution process and reflect on ethical practice. This unit applies to dispute resolution practitioners managing complex family dispute resolution using a variety of facilitative processes within the family law environment. CHCDSP003 Support the safety of vulnerable parties in family dispute resolution This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the suitability of the dispute resolution process for vulnerable parties, and to support the physical and emotional protection of those parties. This unit applies to dispute resolution practitioners managing complex family dispute resolution using a variety of facilitative processes within the family law environment. CHCFAM001 Operate in a family law environment This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine and respond to family law requirements, work collaboratively within the family law system, and contribute to improved work practices linked to family law. This unit applies to family relationship counsellors, family dispute resolution practitioners, children s contact service workers, intake workers and other service providers working in the context of family law. CHCFAM002 Work with a child-focused approach This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use, support and evaluate child-focused approaches in service delivery in the context of family law. A key tenet of the family law system and associated service provision is acting and promoting the best interests of the child. This unit applies to individuals working with families in complex situations. They would be working in accordance with established policies and procedures. CHCFAM007 Assist clients to develop parenting arrangements This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assess parenting practice, then work with parents to prepare and monitor parenting plans and arrangements. This unit applies to practitioners working in complex post-separation contexts according to the requirements of the Family Law Act CHCFAM008 Work within a child inclusive framework This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to gather and analyse information about the child, engage the child in assessment interviews, and formulate and communicate the child s perspective. It goes beyond child-focused practice to include direct and comprehensive interactions with the child. This unit applies to child consultants working in highly complex situations in the context of family relationship work and family law. CHCFCS001 Facilitate the family counselling process This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine and apply appropriate therapeutic approaches through the application of the counselling process. This unit applies to family relationship counsellors who operate with significant autonomy in therapeutic professional service roles in the community sector. The activity is self-directed. CHCPRP003 Reflect on and improve own professional practice This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and enhance own practice through a process of reflection and ongoing professional development. This unit applies to workers in all industry sectors who take pro-active responsibility for their own professional development. Next Steps! Thank you again for your interest in the CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution. Please contact FMC Relationship Services training support team on or training@mediation.com.au to commence the application process! Template Version: B Application Version: A Page 9 of 10

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