How many Program workers and support persons are there involved in a specific case and what are their roles?

In each and every case, a minimum of three workers from the Program are involved as part of the team.  Where children are involved an additional conflict resolution worker may be added.

Intake and administration worker

• Collects initial information from parents and other involved agencies regarding any concerns or collateral information which may be relevant to resolving family conflict
• Obtains consent forms from involved parties
• Prepares the necessary forms and instructions for the assigned family conflict workers
• Answers questions which any of the parties may have before or during the program
• Assists in the formation of a family support group for each of the parties involved in the conflict and solicits input from the support group when formulating solutions to resolve the conflict
• Arranges to provide copies of reports to the court
• Updates any changes of information or new concerns regarding the parties.

Family conflict worker (for adults)

• Works with one of the parties engaged in conflict (Each party involved in the conflict can choose if they prefer to have a male or female person to work with them.
• Monitors communication between parents
• Provides educational materials to family members relating to family conflict
• Arranges for parties to participate with internal educational programs unique to the Program such as cooperative parenting workshops

Note: During the first step mediation process when the parties have agreed to mediate, at least one member of the family conflict resolution team for the adults will be someone who is trained in mediation.

Family conflict worker (for children)

• Meets with any children who are of an age and maturity so that they can express their concerns, wishes and preferences and by video recording them for the purpose of accuracy, if required.
• Obtains the children’s written consents and explains why their consents are required.
• Prepares written reports regarding children’s disclosures
• Interviews with children in very high conflict cases are video recorded electronically for purposes of accuracy

Note: Any team member assigned to deal with children who are of an age and maturity to have their wishes and preferences heard, will be trained in interview techniques for children including the use of video recording technology.

Case Manager

• Reviews application forms and approves cases for which services will be provided
• Oversees and coordinates services provided by all of the family conflict resolution workers involved in the case
• Deals with complaints from any of the parties involved
• Reviews progress and final reports prepared by the family conflict resolution workers prior to submission to the parties or the court
• Reviews recommendations in conjunction with other team members for the involvement of other outside services for children and/or parents if it has become apparent that there are issues which may require specialized services
• Obtains feedback from involved parties after the Program has terminated  Provides acceptance letter to provide services should matters be in court.

Lawyers

Lawyers will continue to play an important part in resolving family conflict. For those who can afford and choose to have a lawyer, the lawyer will still review documents and provide legal advice to the party they represent. However, under the program lawyers will be able to focus most of their time on the actual practice of law and less on procedural issues such as case conferences and dealing with the frivolous day to day issues which clients often call their lawyer about. Many of the minor procedural issues involving communication and children’s issues are dealt with by the trained workers in the program who will work with any of the lawyers involved towards reducing conflict.

Third-Party Referral Services (optional – fee for services or pro bono)

If any of the parties require outside professional help in specific areas of concern during their participation in the Program’s mediation or conflict resolution processes, there is a referral list of professionals offering specific types of services. Professionals whose names appear on the thirdparty referral list will be screened to ensure that they provide services in accordance with the principles and objectives of the Program. Some of these services could include:

• Counsellors (Adult and/or children)
• Mediators
• Life Coaches
• Mental health professionals
• Child reunification therapists
• Financial advisors
• Custody assessors
• Child protection workers

Professional advisory group members (volunteer positions)

While not involved directly with individual conflict resolution cases, there is a group of various professionals from various backgrounds who form the Program’s professional advisory group.  These professionals include lawyers, social workers, police officers, psychologists, doctors, mediators, etc. The professional advisory group members review policies and procedures from time to time so that they can make recommendations for changes, if required, regarding the operation of the Program with respect to the delivery of services, dealing with complaints and/or issues related to child abuse or neglect, etc.