Basic Traning
In order to be a mediator in the state of Michigan, it is required by the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) that everyone attends the General Civil, 40-Hour Mediation training. This same training applies to both attorneys and non-attorneys. Once that is completed, there are two branches that can be pursued.
If an individual wants to mediate exclusively for one of the Citizen Dispute Resolution Program centers in the state of Michigan and is not interested in going on the court roster, she/he simply contacts the center. In the case of Northern Community Mediation (NCM), all new mediators are required to observe ten hours of mediation through NCM. Upon completion, the names of the new mediators are added to NCM’s mediator list.
In the case of someone who is an attorney and strictly wants to go on the court roster, the SCAO requires that individual to observe two mediations and then co-mediate with an experienced mediator. Upon completion, the agency that provides this service then writes a letter to the appropriate ADR clerks verifying the dates, times and types of mediations observed, as well as the co-mediation information.
If a non-attorney wants to go onto the court roster, he/she must complete 40 hours of actual mediation, at which time the appropriate agency would provide documentation of such to the appropriate ADR clerks.
Advanced Training
The SCAO requires all mediators to participate in at least eight hours of Advanced Mediator Training every two years. Qualifying as a mediator in Divorce/Domestic, Child Protection and Special Education requires specialized training, which does not qualify towards the eight-hour Advanced Mediator Training. NCM also requires specialized training for School Attendance; the Victim-Offender Mediation Program; the First-Time,Offender Mediation Program; and Restorative Practices Mediation Program.
Questions relating to training should be directed to Executive Director Dr. Jane Millar at 231.487.1771.