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Refresher Course

The South African Association of Mediators (SAAM) proudly presents its highly anticipated Divorce and Family Mediation Refresher Course, designed to equip you with valuable insights and knowledge in mediation. Whether you're a SAAM member seeking reaccreditation or a non-member looking to stay ahead of the game, this course is perfect for you!

 

Meet Your Course Presenter: Prof Leentjie de Jong 

 

With an impressive background in Family Law and decades of experience, Prof de Jong is a prominent figure in the field of mediation in South Africa. As a full-time mediator, parenting coordinator, and divorce liquidator, Prof Leentjie de Jong brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the course. Her extensive experience in handling diverse family dynamics and resolving disputes has earned her a sterling reputation within the mediation community.

 

Course Overview 

 

The SAAM Refresher Course consists of four engaging sessions, carefully curated to cover essential aspects of mediation, including the pitfalls of the adversarial system of litigation, definition of mediation features, legal provisions for family mediation, the mediator's role, different mediation styles, and the entire mediation process. We also delve into crucial mediator skills and strategies that are instrumental in resolving disputes effectively.

 

CPD Points 

 

Upon successful completion of the course, you'll take a comprehensive test (consisting of 50 multiple choice questions) to evaluate your understanding of the topics covered. Achieving an impressive 80% average on the test will earn you five CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points, ensuring your continuous growth as a mediator and professional.

 

Course Pricing 

 

SAAM Members: You can take advantage of this incredible opportunity at a highly discounted rate of only R500!

 

Non-SAAM Members: For those not yet part of SAAM, the course remains affordably priced at R750, allowing you to access top-notch training and knowledge.

 

NABFAM Approved 

 

The SAAM Divorce and Family Mediation Refresher Course is approved by the National Association of Family Mediators (NABFAM), making it the perfect choice for mediators seeking reaccreditation after their accreditation has lapsed. This seal of approval guarantees that our program meets the highest standards in the field of family mediation.

 

At SAAM, we are committed to empowering mediators and professionals in alternative dispute resolution. Join us on this transformative journey and unlock new opportunities in your family mediation career. 

 

Enrol in the SAAM Refresher Course today and equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving field of mediation

Course Sessions

1 

Pitfalls of the adversarial system of litigation

  • Prevalence of marriage breakdown in SA

  • Effects of family breakdown

  • Our system for resolving family breakdown

  • Alternative non-litigious methods of dispute resolution

  • Alternative non-litigious and more “family friendly” methods of dispute resolution

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Definition of features of mediation.

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  • Introduction

  • Definition

  • Features

  • Which matters should be mediated?

  • When should mediation take place?

  • Child-informed mediation

  • The advantages and disadvantages of mediation

​

Session 1

2

Legal provisions for family mediation 

  • Introduction

  • Legislative provision for family mediation

  • Judicial provision for family mediation

Session 2

3

The role of the mediator and the different styles of mediation.

  • The role of the mediator.

  • Who should act as mediators.

  • Different styles of mediation.

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The mediation process

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  • Introduction

  • The orientation and introductory stage

  • The information and analysis or definition stage

  • The negotiation stage

  • The settlement or agreement stage

  • The contracting stage

Session 3

4

Mediator skills and strategies

  • Introduction

  • Active and passive listening and mediator silence

  • Summarising

  • Mutualising 

  • Reframing or rephrasing

  • Refocusing

  • Normalising

  • Neutralising and retaining the perceptions of neutrality

  • Power balancing or equalising

  • Getting in sync with the parties

  • Humour

  • Questioning

  • Option generation and brainstorming

  • Commenting on the process

  • Climbing over the brick wall

  • Reality testing and role reversal

  • Giving thanks and praise  

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A very brief introduction to other appropriate alternative dispute resolution processes involving mediation.

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  • Introduction

  • Collaborative practice

  • Parenting coordination

Session 4

5

Refresher Course Test

  • Upon successful completion of the course, you'll take a comprehensive test (consisting of 50 multiple choice questions) to evaluate your understanding of the topics covered.

  • Achieving an impressive 80% average on the test will earn you 5 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points, ensuring your continuous growth as a mediator and professional.

Test
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