Outline of a Basic Family Mediation Process: Part 3 of 8 – On-Going Screening

A case that appears appropriate for mediation can change at any time into a case that is inappropriate for mediation; it is your job to monitor signs…

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As with negotiation, the mediation process follows a basic framework. The framework that a mediator uses will be determined by the principles that guide through.

At Riverdale Mediation, these are our guiding principles: we see to provide a safe, fair, confidential, balanced, neutral, informed and voluntary process of self-determination that does no harm.

Each of these principles is important and sometimes they conflict with one another. It is therefore essential to have a solid understanding of the purpose of each principle, and a vision of how these principles will play out in any given situation. When confronted with a new challenge, good mediators will return to the principles that guide them for the solution.

The following series are excerpts from one of our training manuals for new mediators.

PART 3 – ON-GOING SCREENING

On-going screening is not a separate stage of mediation, but rather a continuous observation that you will make from the time you decide to take the case until the time the process is terminated. A case that appears appropriate for mediation can change at any time into a case that is inappropriate for mediation; it is your job to monitor signs, body language, intuitions, behaviours, and confidential information that the parties may provide to you as the process progresses, and continuously assess negotiation power, safety and suitability of the process to continue.

Throughout any mediation, the mediator should be prepared to “safely terminate” the process. This requires a solid understanding of the steps to take (and not to take) when a previously safe or appropriate case becomes unsafe or inappropriate. Mediators need to know how to respond to threats, suicide risks, drug or alcohol abuse and child protection concerns. Familiarity with accessible safety planning resources is essential to competent family mediation practice.

illustration by Frank Guerreiro

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