Parenting Coordination is an emerging, specialized and highly skilled field of work. Professionals providing this service are expected to be strong and empathetic communicators, knowledgeable educators and coaches, skilled mediators, and effective adjudicators. This wide-ranging skill set requires extensive training and relevant experience. 

This intensive course explores the fundamentals of the Parenting Coordination (PC) process through lectures, extensive readings, realistic case studies, case law review, demonstrations, small group discussions and coached role play. While most readings are optional, students will benefit from reading the material before each tutorial. The reading list for this course is not broken down by module, so students can read all the material on their own time. Students are expected to be familiar with the legislation included in the material and the facts for the case studies in preparation for each tutorial

Topics Include:

•    The definition of parenting coordination

•    The basic elements of the PC process.

•    Importance of defining the PC’s jurisdiction.

•    Basic principles of natural justice.

•    Open and closed PC processes and pros and cons of each.

•    Key case law about parenting coordination.

•    Clear, effective PC contracts.

•    Options for hearing the child’s voice in the PC process.

•    Effective techniques to identify, assess and manage power imbalances including family violence in the PC context.

•    Specialized intake process for PC 

•    When and how to screen out inappropriate matters.

•    Application of knowledge regarding high-conflict dynamics to the PC process.

•    Strategies for effective conflict management.

•    Best practices for managing day to day practice

•    Strategies to maintain neutrality and avoid alignment with a party

•    Resources and strategies for effective client coaching.

•    How to write effective MOUs/ PC Summary Reports 

•    Principles of an effective, proportionate arbitration process

•    Award-writing skills that demonstrate the principles of natural justice.

•    The principles of cost awards. 

FDRIO is currently the only organization that offers certification for the PC designation (FDRP PC). Please visit fdrio.ca for further information on the FDRP PC Designation (including training requirements).