A Cultural Assessment of Family Dispute Resolution: Findings about Cultural Appropriateness from the Evaluation of a Family Relationship Centre

Family Dispute Resolution: Use, Timing, and Outcomes

“…So far, much of the research on FDR use has focused on service provision and practice (e.g., Smyth et al, ), with studies of the experiences of FDR clients often restricting attention to specific segments of clients, such as those with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (Akin Ojelabi et al, ; Armstrong, ). Where samples are derived from the FDR service clientele of separated parents, it is not possible identify the extent to which the characteristics and circumstances of such clients differ from those who have not used FDR.…”

Preparing Social Workers for Alternative Dispute Resolution in Care and Protection Cases

“…In relation to training on the second fundamental aspect of substantive knowledge, for family group ADR variants "core philosophical assumptions and practice expectations" need to be incorporated (Chandler & Giovannucci, 2004:221). From a review of the literature, the following emerge as essential in training programmes for all methods of child protection ADR: knowledge of family dynamics and family systems theory (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines, 2012;Hehr, 2007;Mayer, 2009;Savoury, Beals & Parks, 1995); roles of parties and participants (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines, 2012;California Rules of Court, 2014); how individualistic approaches to dispute resolution are different from collective approaches (Boniface, 2012;Ojelabi, Fisher, Cleak, Vernon & Balvin, 2012); child protection legislation and system (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines, 2012;Mayer, 2009); the legal framework for child protection intervention (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines, 2012;Cunningham & Van Leeuwen, 2005;Mayer, 2009); court process (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines, 2012); issues related to intervention in child abuse and neglect (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines, 2012;California Rules of Court, 2014;Mayer, 2009); typical impact of family violence, substance abuse, mental health issues (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines, 2012;California Rules of Court, 2014;Mayer, 2009;Savoury et al, 1995); child development, attachment, psychological issues (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines, 2012); Chandler & Giovannucci, 2004;Mayer, 2009; diversity issues, cultural assessment (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines, 2012;California Rules of Court, 2014;Giovannucci & Largent, 2009;…”

“…She concludes that an "intra-cultural model of mediation" should be developed in South Africa (Boniface, 2012:124). Generally, indigenous methods will require specialist knowledge training in, for example, attitudes of family members to community elders (Ojelabi et al, 2012).…”

“…In relation to what skills are required for trainees, Barsky (2001:33) identified the more common skills and techniques for care and protection mediation as "reframing, focusing the parties on the future, focusing the parties on the best interests of the children, establishing ground rules for communication, using neutral language, managing the emotional climate, and ensuring that the parties view the process as fair". Skills common to most forms of care and protection ADR are: communication and mediation skills (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines, 2012: 20;De Jong, 2009;Giovannucci & Largent, 2009); skills in addressing power imbalances (Cunningham & Van Leeuwen, 2005); assertiveness training, presentation of self (Hehr, 2007); conflict resolution skills (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines, 2012;Savoury et al, 1995); working with multiple parties, (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines, 2012;California Rules of Court, 2014;Giovannucci & Largent, 2009); use of techniques from indigenous methods (Boniface, 2012;Ojelabi et al, 2012;Olson, 2009).…”