NCJ Number
102441
Journal
Mediation Quarterly Issue: 13 Dated: (Fall 1986) Pages: 31-42
Date Published
1986
Length
12 pages
Annotation
In presenting guidelines for the supervisory training of inexperienced mediators of child custody cases, this paper presents a model for supervisors to use in selecting cases appropriate for inexperienced mediators and describes an approach for supervising such mediators.
Abstract
In selecting cases appropriate for inexperienced mediators, the supervisor should select cases whose complexity matches the mediators' abilities. Case complexity is determined by the nature of the issues to be addressed in mediation and the dynamics of the couple's conflict. The simplest conflict dynamics consist of normal anger toward the spouse believed repsonsible for the difficulties and losses occasioning the mediation. The most complex conflict dynamics involve both partners' heavy investment in the conflict as a means of communication between them. Case complexity can be classified in three levels of ascending difficulty: normal issues associated with child custody, special problems that complicate the logistics of one or both parents' access to the children, and cases that involved mutually exclusive demands by each parent. After case selection, the supervisor must appropriately monitor the trainee's work. Those with low skills require closer monitoring than those having basic mediation skills. Levels of trainee willingness and motivation to perform the required tasks must also be addressed by the supervisor. This involves dealing with resistance and feelings in the trainee that obstruct the mediation process. Supervision of the skilled mediator consists of acting as a consultant on the progress and future direction of the mediation. 2 tables of matrixes.